Surgeon Perceptions of Failure to Rescue After Surgery
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By
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Hélène L. Gros
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Victoria Werdecker
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Kavishani Gunatharan
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Ines Gockel
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Beat P. Müller-Stich
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Jennifer M. Klasen
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June 5, 2026
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Objective:
To explore how surgeons interpret and are affected by failure to rescue (FTR) events.
Key Findings:
- Surgeons recognized FTR but noted a lack of clarity in its meaning, indicating a culture of silence around the topic.
- Participants had personally experienced FTR, often involving patient death, and described reflection on these events as largely private.
- Five main themes emerged: flawed systems, hierarchical barriers, imperfect heroism, coping through failure, and strategies for rescue.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
- The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the participating institutions.
- The sample size was limited to 14 participants, which may not capture the full spectrum of surgeons' experiences.
Conclusion:
