Table 1 The Postoperative Morbidity Survey (POMS) showing morbidity types, definitions and source data

Pulmonary

De novo requirement for supplemental oxygen or other respiratory support (e.g., CPAP or IPPV)

Patient observation

Treatment chart

Observation chart

Infectious

Currently on antibiotics or temperature >38°C in the last 24 hrs

Treatment chart

Observation chart

Renal

Presence of oliguria (<500 mL/day), increased serum creatinine (>30% from baseline value), or urinary catheter in place for a non-surgical reasons

Patient observation

Fluid balance chart

Biochemistry results

Gastrointestinal

Unable to tolerate an enteral diet (either by mouth or feeding tube) for any reason, including nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension

Patient questioning

Fluid balance chart

Cardiovascular

Diagnostic test or therapy in last 24 hrs for any of the following reasons: de novo myocardial infarction or ischemia, hypotension (requiring drug therapy or fluid >200 mL/hr), atrial or ventricular arrhythmia or pulmonary edema

Treatment chart

Fluid chart

Observation chart

Note review

Neurological

Presence of a de novo focal deficit, coma or confusion/delirium

Patient questioning

Note review

Wound complications

Wound dehiscence requiring surgical exploration or drainage or pus from the wound

Note review

Pathology results

Hematological

Requirement for any of the following within last 24 hrs: blood, platelets, fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate

Fluid balance chart

Pain

Surgical wound pain significant enough to require parenteral opiates or regional anesthesia

Treatment chart

Patient questioning