Ann Surg Treat Res.  2024 Dec;107(6):305-314. 10.4174/astr.2024.107.6.305.

Development of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) program: a nationwide project to improve surgical quality and patient safety

• Lee JM
• Han IW
• Kwon OC
• Seo HR
• Jung J
• Yoon SJ
• Han A
• Lee J
• Lee SY
• Seo H
• Kwon W
• Eom BW
• Lee IS
• Park JW
• Lee HW
• Hwang HK
• Lee SH
• Shin EJ
• Lee WY

• KMID: 2562306
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/astr.2024.107.6.305

Abstract

Purpose
Improvements in surgical quality and patient safety are critical components of the healthcare system. Despite excellent cancer survival rates in Korea, there is a lack of standardized postoperative complication management systems. To address this gap, the Korean Surgical Society initiated the development of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) program.
Methods
K-QIPS was successfully launched in 87 general hospitals. This nationwide surgical quality improvement program covers 5 major surgical fields: gastric surgery, colorectal surgery, hepatectomy and liver transplantation, pancreatectomy, and kidney transplantation.
Results
Common and surgery-specific complication platforms will be developed, and the program will work toward the implementation of an artificial intelligence-based complication prediction system and the provision of evidence-based feedback to participating institutions. K-QIPS represents a significant step toward improving surgical quality and patient safety in Korea.
Conclusion
This program aims to reduce postoperative complications, mortality, and medical costs by providing a standardized platform for complication management and prediction. The successful implementation of this nationwide project may provide a good model for other countries that are required to improve surgical outcomes and patient care.

Keyword

Health policy; Public health; Patient safety; Postoperative complications; Quality improvements