FAQs
On this page
- Do I have to participate in SAASM?
- If I participate do I have to be a first or second-line assessor?
- Are instructions/guidelines provided for first and/or second-line assessors?
- Is the SAASM process confidential?
- How will SAASM know if a patient has died under my care?
- What if I need the medical records to fill out the SAASM Surgical Case Form?
- What do I do after completing the SAASM Surgical Case Form?
Do I have to participate in SAASM?
Your participation in SAASM is a 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.
If I participate do I have to be a first or second-line assessor?
You can choose to be a first-line assessor, and/or a second-line assessor.
You can participate in SAASM without being a first-line assessor, and/or a second-line assessor.
Are instructions/guidelines provided for first and/or second-line assessors?
Guidelines are provided. They are printed on the first-line and second-line assessment forms sent to you. An example of a second-line assessment report (one-two pages) is also sent to you.
Is the SAASM process confidential?
All data and forms are de-identified. All data and forms are securely stored. SAASM reports are covered by Commonwealth Qualified Privilege.
How will SAASM know if a patient has died under my care?
SAASM is notified (regularly) of deaths that occur by the medical records departments of participating hospitals and by a centralised state-wide data source through SA Health.
What if I need the medical records to fill out the SAASM Surgical Case Form?
Contact the medical records department of your hospital to ensure records can be located and delivered to you. If you require assistance with this, please contact the SAASM office.
What do I do after completing the SAASM Surgical Case Form?
Please return the Surgical Case Form to SAASM in the reply paid envelope provided. Please contact the SAASM office if you have any questions or concerns.