Hospitals report drop in patient deaths, errors

Fifty thousand fewer hospital patients died due to avoidable errors from 2011 to 2013, according to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week.

 

Overall, hospitals reported 1.3 million fewer adverse incidents—a 17% decrease—during this period compared to the rate in 2010. These incidents included falls, pressure ulcers, and adverse drug events. HHS estimates the decrease resulted in $12 billion in savings to healthcare systems.

 

Although the exact causes for the decreases are unknown, the report does state that hospitals are making a concerted effort to reduce adverse events in light of Medicare payment incentives. The report also credits the decrease to the efforts of several organizations such as HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, CDC, CMS, and the Partnership for Patients.