A new report highlights significant improvements in patient safety and hospital performance, with some measures surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to an analysis by Vizient, released by the American Hospital Association (AHA), patients were 20% more likely to survive in the first quarter of 2024 than the last quarter of 2019 despite being treated for more complex conditions.
Chris DeRienzo, MD, chief physician executive at AHA, says the findings show hospitals’ commitment to continuous improvement in patient safety and outcomes. “The evidence is clear that hospitalized patients are even safer today than in 2019, and that holds true across numerous crucial measures of patient safety,” DeRienzo stated.
The analysis reviewed data from 715 hospitals across 49 states and found notable declines in central line-associated bloodstream infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Patient screenings for breast and colon cancer also saw significant increases, with both reaching over 80% higher levels than in 2019.
Despite treating sicker patients, hospitals have made strides in reducing the mortality risk, which dropped by 20% compared to 2019. The report also emphasizes that while hospitals have made considerable progress, there is still room for improvement in safety and quality.