Surgical audit: statistical lessons from Nightingale and Codman

摘要: Summary. There is a long history of interest in examining and comparing surgical outcomes. The 'epidemiological' approach was initiated by Florence Nightingale her suggestion for uniform statistics, she clearly predicted the problems that are associated with collecting, analysing interpreting such data. Unfortunately those responsible implementing reporting scheme appeared not to have shared insight. contrasting 'clinical' championed Ernest Codman his search full honest appraisals errors. Once again, despite initial enthusiasm, others had great difficulty following example, although we discuss recent instance reflective analysis an individual surgeon's performance. We conclude suggesting synthesis between these approaches appropriate, but follow warning inevitable extra-statistical difficulties will arise.