Researchers have theorized about a link between patient experience and clinical outcomes, but a new study by Cooper University Health Care in Camden, N.J., demonstrates such an association exists. The study was published in the Journal of Patient Experience.
The authors of the research analyzed risk-adjusted data and star ratings for more than 3,000 U.S. hospitals from CMS Hospital Compare. They uncovered statistically significant associations between the number of stars for patient experience and multiple clinical outcomes.
For instance, hospitals with higher patient experience scores had lower rates of complications, including central line-associated bloodstream infections, postsurgical deep venous thrombosis and joint replacement complications.
Similarly, hospitals with higher patient experience scores had lower rates of readmissions for patients with acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and joint replacement. In fact, the most consistent association found was between higher star ratings and lower readmission to the hospital.
Lead author of the study Stephen Trzeciak, MD, recently told The Inquirer the findings of the study are meaningful for both hospitals and insurers alike.
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