New Report Highlights Pneumonia Outcomes at California Hospitals
On Wednesday, the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development identified 48 hospitals statewide as top performers in the office's third report on pneumonia mortality rates since 2004, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Researchers also identified 47 hospitals with rates that were worse than expected, including eight Kaiser facilities (Kleffman, Contra Costa Times, 6/25).
Between 2003 and 2005, the report found that about one in eight pneumonia patients, or 12.2%, died within 30 days of being admitted to a hospital.
From 2002 to 2004, the mortality rate was 12.29%, and it was 12.23% from 1999 to 2001, according to previous reports (Hines, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 6/25).
Researchers analyzed data from 354 hospitals and adjusted the rates based on numerous factors, including patients' ages, the severity of the illness and other health problems. Patients who acquired pneumonia while in the hospital were excluded from the report.
The report is part of an effort to help consumers decide where to seek treatment and to encourage the facilities to improve care practices (Contra Costa Times, 6/25).