Summary
A study found that patient death rates in emergency departments increased after U.S. hospitals were acquired by private equity firms. The study compared the outcomes with similar hospitals not acquired by private equity. It highlighted that financial changes, like cutting staff salaries, might be linked to these increased death rates.
Key Facts
- Patient deaths in emergency departments rose by 13% on average after hospitals were taken over by private equity firms.
- For Medicare patients, there were seven more deaths per 10,000 emergency visits in private equity-owned hospitals.
- The study noted large cuts in staffing and salaries after hospitals were acquired.
- Emergency department salary expenses dropped by 18% on average after acquisitions.
- Researchers analyzed over 1 million emergency visits in 49 private equity hospitals compared to more than 6 million visits in 293 other hospitals.
- From 2009 to 2019, ICU salaries were reduced by 16% in hospitals under private equity.
- The study found a 25% increase in preventable adverse events, like infections, after private equity acquisition.
- The research indicated that private equity groups mainly acquired financially stable hospitals, contrary to claims of rescuing struggling hospitals.
