Are morbidity and mortality conferences becoming a lost art?

Surgical morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences have a history that is both deep and central to many of the core principles we hold dear to our profession. More specifically, well-run M&M conferences employ a peer review process that analyzes adverse patient outcomes on multiple levels. This evaluation includes a discussion of the mechanics of the negative event itself; suggestion of modifications in behaviour, analysis, decision-making and/or technique; and finally system improvements to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future