Description
The presentation by Mike Hutton focuses on the development and status of the British Spine Registry (BSR) aimed at improving spinal surgery outcomes. Hutton discusses the registry's inception in 2012, motivated by the need to demonstrate the effectiveness of spinal operations amidst skepticism regarding their success. He highlights the importance of patient safety, measuring outcomes, and conducting research within the framework of the registry.
He outlines the challenges faced, such as data compliance among different medical units and the necessity for improved recording practices related to various spinal procedures, especially in the context of pediatric and adult deformities. Hutton details how financial incentives significantly increased participation in the registry, particularly through the introduction of a best practice tariff which rewarded facilities for documenting their surgeries. Despite initial successes, he notes a concerning decline in registry participation following changes in how contracts were negotiated within the healthcare system.
The speaker emphasizes the wealth of data now available and its potential for research, including trials related to spinal braces for children. Additionally, Hutton discusses measures to ensure data governance and patient consent, acknowledging past issues where consent was not properly recorded, leading to the loss of patient data.
Looking towards the future, Hutton expresses optimism about the continued development of the registry, the potential for enhanced data capture and analysis, and the ability to link with broader NHS systems such as the National Control Information Portal. He also acknowledges the complexity of categorizing spinal implants and the collaborative efforts needed among various professional groups to move forward effectively.