Figure 2: NTASM audit process NTASM receives notification of death
SCF sent to surgeon for online completion or surgeon initiates process by self-reporting death
SCF completed online and returned to the NTASM and deidentified
Surgeon documents anaesthetic component to the death
Anaesthetic case form is sent to anaesthetist in hard copy for completion
Completed anaesthetic case form is returned to the NTASM and deidentified
SCF is sent for FLA* Anaesthetic case form (if relevant) is also sent for FLA**
Yes Clinical Director selects second assessor
SLA*
Is an SLA required?
No
Case closed including FLA
Feedback to surgeon
Has an appeal been lodged against the SLA?
No
Case closed
Yes Clinical Director selects additional second-line assessor
Additional SLA*
Feedback to surgeon
Case closed
*First- and second-line assessors for NTASM are peer surgeons from a different state **Anaesthetists from Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory perform assessments on NT cases. NTASM = Northern Territory Audit of Surgical Mortality; SCF = surgical case form; FLA = first-line assessment; SLA = second-line assessment
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ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS
