Frequently Asked Questions
On this page
- Do I have to participate in the ACT Audit of Surgical Mortality?
- Do I have to be a first or second-line assessor?
- Are any instructions/guidelines provided for first or second-line assessors?
- Is the ACTASM process confidential?
- How will ACTASM know if a patient has died under my care?
- What if I require the medical case notes to fill out the ACTASM case record form, is there as easy way for me to retrieve them?
- What do I do after completing the Surgical Case Form?
- Who do I contact if I have any queries?
Do I have to participate in the ACT Audit of Surgical Mortality?
Your participation in ACTASM is a CPD requirement if you are a surgeon in an operative-based practice, have a surgical death and an audit of surgical mortality is available in your hospital.
Do I have to be a first or second-line assessor?
No. All surgeons participating in the audit can volunteer to be either first or second-line assessors. There are some point incentives to encourage participation.
Are any instructions/guidelines provided for first or second-line assessors?
Yes, a guideline for assessors is provided. This document suggests the principles to adopt for the peer review assessment and includes examples. Also provided is a first or second-line assessment form for the assessor to complete.
Is the ACTASM process confidential?
Yes. All data is de-identified and is securely stored at the ACTASM office. ACTASM reports are covered by qualified privilege.
How will ACTASM know if a patient has died under my care?
The hospital's medical records department notify ACTASM of all surgical deaths. Alternatively, surgeons may notify ACTASM directly of a death of a patient under their care.
What if I require the medical case notes to fill out the ACTASM case record form, is there as easy way for me to retrieve them?
Yes. The medical records department of each hospital will locate medical records for you.
What do I do after completing the Surgical Case Form?
Please return the Surgical Case Form to ACTASM in the reply paid envelope provided. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Who do I contact if I have any queries?
Please contact the ACTASM Project Manager.