Data-driven care in surgery refers to the integration of data analytics, advanced technologies, and computational methods in surgical practice to enhance decision-making, optimize procedures and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Back in early 2000s, the Hospital Authority (HA) Clinical Outcomes Monitoring Programme (COMP) was begun with the ongoing comparative audits piloted by frontline surgical units. Subsequently, with the support from the HAHO, a frontline surgeons-initiated Surgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Programme (SOMIP) was launched in 2008.
Through clinical audit and risk-adjusted analysis, clinical specialties can identify factors that may impact the outcomes of patients. In turn, evidence-based improvement practices can be implemented, leading to better outcomes. Availability of these data can assist stakeholders in inidivudal hospitals to address deficiencies in both the software and the hardware. Those units with the best outcomes could also share their practice with their peers through various forms of collaboration.
COMP has demonstrated its impact on reducing mortality rate and enhancing care quality. Not only does COMP reflect actionable insights for evidence-based decision-making and quality improvement within the HA, but it also fostered a culture of patient safety and quality improvement. Recognizing the importance of outcomes monitoring, other initiatives, namely Intensive Care Unit Outcomes Monitoring Programme (ICUOMP) and Neurosurgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Programme (NOMIP), have joined under the umbrella of COMP since 2015 and 2020, respectively.
