Report cards draw raves from consumer groups, criticism from hospitals
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
August 12, 2005
Consumer advocates are strongly in favor of state laws that require hospitals to release patient infection data. These report cards can be used by patients to determine where they want to go for medical care. Hospitals, however, fear that the information is misleading or meaningless, according to a United Press International article.According to advocates, the information is critical to help patients make wise choices when choosing a hospital. The reluctance by hospitals comes from the fear of losing potential patients, they argue.
Hospitals, meanwhile, say that the data required is not necessarily meaningful in evaluating a hospital's overall performance. Laws that require the report cards could ultimately harm patients who avoid good hospitals with aberrant report cards.
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