===== Complication Rate =====

The **complication rate** is a key performance metric in surgical practice. It quantifies the proportion of procedures resulting in adverse outcomes such as infection, hemorrhage, device malposition, or neurological deterioration.

In the context of CUSUM analysis, the complication rate serves as the **primary outcome variable**, coded as:
  * ''0'' for success (no complication)
  * ''1'' for failure (any complication)

This binary format allows direct integration into cumulative sum calculations.

==== Importance ====

Accurate complication tracking:
  * Ensures **accountability and transparency**.
  * Supports **quality assurance programs**.
  * Enables **early detection** of safety issues.
  * Guides **training needs** and protocol adjustments.

==== Interpreting the Rate ====

The observed complication rate is compared to a predefined acceptable target (e.g., 10%). An actual rate consistently **higher than target** may signal issues in:
  * Surgical technique
  * Patient selection
  * Team communication
  * Postoperative care

==== Example ====

If a surgeon performs 20 ICP monitor placements with 3 complications:
  * Observed rate = ''3/20 = 15%''
  * Target rate = ''10%''
  * The CUSUM chart will reflect a **net upward trend**, prompting further review.

Setting clear definitions of what constitutes a complication is critical for data consistency across operators and institutions.