Health disparities persist in highly ranked hospitals

Although higher-graded hospitals are better for all patients, Black and Hispanic patients are still at increased risk of experiencing adverse safety events compared to white patients, according to a Leapfrog Group and Urban Institute report. Released this week, the report examined the association between Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades and differences in adverse safety event rates among white, Black and Hispanic patients. Compared to white patients, Black patients experienced a 34% higher rate of sepsis after surgery, a 51% higher rate of dangerous blood clots after surgery and a 17% higher rate of respiratory failure after surgery. Hispanic patients experienced a 34% high rate of sepsis after surgery and a 21% higher rate of respiratory failure after surgery compared to white patients. AARP funded the report. (Leapfrog Group news release, 6/7/23)