Patient deaths rise in hospitals acquired by private equity.
Private equity ownership of hospitals linked to increased patient deaths in emergency departments.
Why it matters
- Private equity ownership of hospitals linked to increased patient deaths in emergency departments.
- Findings suggest staffing cuts may lead to dangerous consequences for patients.
By the numbers
- 13% increase in patient deaths in emergency departments after private equity acquisition.
- Staffing cuts: 11.6% reduction in full-time employees and 18% reduction in emergency department salary expenditures.
The big picture
- Study adds to concerns about for-profit ownership models in healthcare.
- Policymakers may need to consider regulations to protect patient care.
What they're saying
- Public sentiment reflects concern and skepticism about for-profit healthcare models.
- Some commenters question the morality and legality of such practices.
Caveats
- Study based on Medicare data, may not represent all patient populations.
- Association between staffing cuts and increased mortality does not prove causation.
What’s next
- Policymakers may increase transparency and oversight of private equity acquisitions in healthcare.
- Further research may be needed to confirm and extend these findings.