Hospital-acquired conditions fall 17% over three years

Hospital-acquired conditions declined by 17% (1.3 million) between 2010 and 2013, saving an estimated 50,000 lives and $12 billion in health care costs, according to final results reported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Adverse drug events fell by 44%, pressure ulcers by 21% and catheter-associated urinary tract infections by 14%, among other reductions. The findings are based on the AHRQ National Scorecard, which provides summary data on the national HAC rate for measurement activities associated with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Partnership for Patients initiative, which included more than 3,700 acute-care hospitals participating in Hospital Engagement Networks. The AHA’s Health Research & Educational Trust affiliate is one of 17 organizations recently selected to continue leading the networks for another year.