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Patient Mortality Rate is Higher Overnights and on Weekends

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on Mar 21 2011 2:11 PM

 Patient Mortality Rate is Higher Overnights and on Weekends
Statistical study of the deaths in Intensive Care Units (ICU) has revealed that over-nights and weekends are the 'peak time' for hospital deaths. 8-year records from 41 Australian Hospitals were reviewed for the same. The revelations are significant as it indicates the seriousness of injuries that people suffer beyond business hours and also throws light over the fact that ICU staff has to deal with more complicated cases overnights and on weekends.
It was found that 14% deaths occurred during the day i.e. between 6am-6pm, while the mortality rate for patients who were admitted after the working hours i.e. between 6pm-6am was 17%. Similarly 14% deaths occurred during the week as compared to the 20% on weekends.

The study has been published in the Medical Journal of Australia but more study is necessary to point out the differences in the patient mortality rates.


Source-Medindia


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