Transferring elderly heart attack patients admitted to nonprocedure hospitals doesn't affect their 30-day or 1-year mortality rates, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Researchers analyzed data from a cohort of nearly 56,000 Medicare patients admitted to a nonprocedure hospital between 2006 and 2008.
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While higher transfer rates were also associated with higher rates of catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary bypass surgery, mortality was not affected. Transfer rates had no effect on length of stay for the patients.
The researchers concluded transfers may not improve outcomes for heart attack patients.
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