Despite previous research findings that suggest safety net hospitals may demonstrate poor or mixed performance, a recent study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality suggests otherwise.
For this study, researchers analyzed quality performance for hospitals that are members of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems. Quality performance outcomes were measured based on The Joint Commission's accountability measures.
Their review showed no statistical difference in recent performance between NAPH hospitals and other hospitals on 13 of 15 measures. For two measures, NAPH hospitals actually performed better than other hospitals. The authors said these results suggest safety net hospitals, which serve a high number of Medicaid, poor and uninsured patients, can still maintain a high level of quality.
For this study, researchers analyzed quality performance for hospitals that are members of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems. Quality performance outcomes were measured based on The Joint Commission's accountability measures.
Their review showed no statistical difference in recent performance between NAPH hospitals and other hospitals on 13 of 15 measures. For two measures, NAPH hospitals actually performed better than other hospitals. The authors said these results suggest safety net hospitals, which serve a high number of Medicaid, poor and uninsured patients, can still maintain a high level of quality.
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