Table 1 Classification of complications
Complication group | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Major complications | Medical or surgical events requiring an increased acuity of care, further procedure, significant change in management priorities | Pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction |
Minor complications | Health issues that did not result in an increase in frequency or acuity of health service delivery, but still required minor changes to existing care provision | Wound infection |
Health service complications | Delays in discharge after patient was deemed fit for discharge due to availability of in-home support services | Delayed provision of social services such as domestic assistance |
Non-specific complications | Delays in discharge that had no specific attributable cause documented in the medical record | Delays in progress with physiotherapy were identified but with no specific cause documented in the medical record |