[Accreditation and digitization - just a load of crap? Systematic risk analysis among medical employees - today and 12 years ago].

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate whether measures of quality management and digitization have the potential to reduce treatment risks in patients of a surgical clinic.

Methods: All health professional involved in the treatment of patients were asked to participate in a systematic, process-orientated and anonymous survey to assess the probability of occurrence of 69 treatment risks in stationary patients. The surveys were conducted in 2006 before establishing quality management (QM) and digitization, and recently after various certification activities have been performed and the digitization has been completed.

Results: According to the survey respondents, QM measures and digitization have led to a significant reduction of the probability of occurrence of 20 treatment risks, although the number of surgeries performed rose 1.8-fold while the number of employees increased by just 1.2-fold to 1.4-fold. The risk reduction was most pronounced regarding mistaken patient identity errors, while complex process risks like insufficient postoperative aftercare or patient dissatisfaction with ineffective communication remained unchanged.

Discussion: An increase in process risks that may be due to an increased workload can be mitigated by QM and digitization measures. This requires a quality and risk management system that is organized by the administration, supported by responsible and risk-aware employees and not imposed.

Conclusion: Health professionals estimate that digitization and QM measures have the potential to reduce patients' treatment risks and help offset the increased workload. In particular, accreditations can help implement and maintain quality management measures.