Standardized Combined Outcome Index as an Instrument for Monitoring Performance After Pulmonary Resection

The present analysis is proposed as a methodologic template for developing a risk-adjusted index combining four different outcomes. It aims at overcoming inherent limitations of outcomes when used individually for performance assessment. This or similar combined indexes may be effective instruments of internal clinical audit and could be incorporated along with process indicators in composite performance scores to more comprehensively evaluate the postoperative domain of our practice.