The Benefits of Using Morbidity and Mortality Conferences in Nursing: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Although morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) are well-documented in the physician arena, little has been published on the use of MMCs in nursing.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to determine the perceived benefits of using MMCs in nursing.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted using the CINAHL Complete, PubMed, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health databases. The search terms included: morbidity mortality conferences, M&M conferences, M&M rounds, morbidity mortality rounds, case review conferences, case review meetings, nursing, nurses, safety, quality, errors, improvement, performance, and competence.

Results: Ten studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were grouped into either multidisciplinary or nursing MMCS, and then compared across three categories of benefits: educational value for nurses, systems improvements, and effect on organizational culture. Multidisciplinary MMCs focused less on the educational value for nurses, demonstrated effective systems improvements, and promoted a non-punitive culture of transparency, patient safety, accountability, and teamwork. Nursing MMCs were helpful in improving clinical performance and research-based practice among nursing staff. There were no differences noted in the effectiveness of systems improvements between the two MMC formats. Nursing MMCs were found to promote an organizational culture of safety, quality and no blame.

Conclusion: Nursing MMCs carry educational value for nurses, result in systems improvements, and positively impact organizational culture. Nursing leadership and hospital administrators are encouraged to consider the use of MMCs as a teaching and quality improvement tool for nurses.

Key words: morbidity and mortality conferences, nursing, adverse events, nursing errors, quality improvement