The Network’s delivers an annual cycle of audits, which are listed below. Along with the audit work, we have a number of working groups, the details of which can be found here.
The Clinical Pathways can be found here.
Details of the Nework’s historical projects can be found on the Past Projects page.
Standards
One of the first projects undertaken by the MSN was the development of a set of core, evidence-based standards for neurosurgery in Scotland. The purpose of this exercise was to provide a framework of auditable measures to ensure all patients receive the best possible level of care wherever they are treated in Scotland. The resulting MSN Clinical Standards for Neurosurgical Services in Scotland was published in 2010. This document was refreshed for 2023. These standards were updated with reference to current literature and best practice on the care of patients in Neurosurgery. Audit work against these new refreshed standards run in 3 year cycles, with 2024 the first year auditing.
ARCO
The Annual Review of Consultant Outcomes (ARCO) is a yearly audit into patient mortality, supported by Public Health Scotland. The audit collates and verifies routinely collected data, and uses a case-mix adjustment tool to determine the number of deaths we would expect from their case load. More detailed information about ARCO can be found here.
The Clinical Audit of Paediatric Neurosurgical Activity (CAPNA) is a rolling audit that reports annually. All patients under 16 who undergo Neurosurgery in Scotland are audited. This data is collated and outcomes presented at a meeting of Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeons, with transfers between sites, deaths, and unexpected re-admissions included. More detailed admission about CAPNA can be found here.