Surgical Quality Assurance Database (SQUAD) in Uganda, Part A
2015
This case study explores the process of determining how to select, measure, and validate data as a public hospital system in Uganda sets up a medical record system. In 2011, an anesthesiologist from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston partnered with the head of the anesthesia department at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) to explore methods for capturing and utilizing clinical data for quality improvement. With donor assistance, they established an electronic medical record database, subsequently known as the SQUAD (Surgical Quality Assurance Database) initiative. This case also has a companion Part B, which explores data use to highlight gaps in surgical care and training at MRRH, provide feedback to physicians and staff, and stimulate original research at the institution.
This case, developed by Babson University, is part of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery Teaching Cases, Volume One. The Commission created these materials for mutual learning about the challenges and best practices for developing surgical systems, especially in resource poor settings. The cases can be read individually or used in the classroom.
Surgical Quality Assurance Database (SQUAD) in Uganda, Part A
Source:
McKone-Sweet K. et al. SQUAD in Uganda: Surgical Quality Assurance Database (A). The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery 2015. http://www.lancetglobalsurgery.org/teaching-cases.