Trends in Observed Adult Inpatient Mortality for High-Volume Conditions, 2002–2012

Excerpt

Previous trends in inpatient mortality suggest that rates have been decreasing for high-volume conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke, and pneumonia., These declines in mortality vary not only by condition but also by patient and hospital characteristics. Continued study of these trends can help researchers and policymakers assess the impact of health care quality efforts. Further, examining trends across patient and hospital subgroups may inform strategies for addressing disparities in health care quality by identifying groups that are leading and lagging in improvement.

This Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Statistical Brief examines trends in observed inpatient mortality rates for AMI, CHF, stroke, and pneumonia for adults aged 18 years and older, as well as changes in these rates for select patient subgroups. Death following discharge from a hospital is not reflected in these data. Observed trends in inpatient mortality from 2002 to 2012 are presented. Percentage changes between 2002 and 2012 are compared by age, sex, expected primary payer, community income level, urban or rural location of patient residence, and hospital region. All differences between estimates noted in the text are statistically significant at the .01 level or better.