Quality & Patient Safety

Report cards draw raves from consumer groups, criticism from hospitals

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, August 12, 2005

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Patient Safety Monitor Alert!

Consumer advocates are strongly in favor of state laws that require hospitals to release patient infection data. These report cards can be used by patients to determine where they want to go for medical care. Hospitals, however, fear that the information is misleading or meaningless, according to a United Press International article.

According to advocates, the information is critical to help patients make wise choices when choosing a hospital. The reluctance by hospitals comes from the fear of losing potential patients, they argue.

Hospitals, meanwhile, say that the data required is not necessarily meaningful in evaluating a hospital's overall performance. Laws that require the report cards could ultimately harm patients who avoid good hospitals with aberrant report cards.

To read the complete article, click here.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Patient Safety Monitor Alert!

    Patient Safety Monitor
  • Patient Safety Monitor

    As part of your Patient Safety Monitor membership, you'll receive Briefings on Patient Safety. In this 12-page monthly...

  • Patient Safety Monitor Alert

    This e-mail newsletter provides healthcare professionals with the latest patient safety news, while offering useful...

  • Patient Safety Quality Monthly

    Ken Rohde, Senior Consultant for The Greeley Company with over 25 years of experience in quality management. His roles in...

  • Occurrence Reporting:

    Take advantage of the information occurrence reports provide and make sustainable enhancements at your facility. Expert...

Most Popular

Related Articles