One would hope that no matter what day of
the week or time of day, precisely the same standard of healthcare would occur.
However, data implies that time and day can have a negative effect on health
outcomes.
One study published in BMJ Quality & Safety analyzed data from almost 3 million hospital admissions to 28 different teaching hospitals in 4 different countries. The outcome of the analysis suggested in three of the four nations, that those admitted on the weekend for an emergency had a higher risk of dying within 30 days than those admitted during the week. In the U.S., the risk was 13% higher. The most dramatic difference was in the Netherlands with a 20% greater risk. The study didn't mention causes for the weekend effect.
Researchers indicate that the higher risks might be a result of decreased staffing levels. Study coauthor Paul Aylin of Imperial College London indicates that patients admitted on weekends, particularly stroke sufferers, are not as likely to get a same-day brain scan, less likely to get clot-busting treatment, and have worse outcomes than those accepted during the week.
Often patients or caregivers hear over and over that it was the weekend, that there was only one person here to do whatever for the whole hospital, or that someone was merely cross-covering and did not wish to produce any changes to the plan - the attending would be in next week.
Johns Hopkins University researchers who looked at more than 38,000 head injury patients. likewise documented in a study the weekend effect. They found that the weekend patients were 14% more likely to die from their injuries compared to patients admitted during the week.
Sadly, the clear solution - to increase weekend staffing – is impractical and expensive. Options could include transferring some patients to trauma centers or facilities that have more weekend capabilities.
To learn more regarding the weekend effect and possible solutions, contact us.
One study published in BMJ Quality & Safety analyzed data from almost 3 million hospital admissions to 28 different teaching hospitals in 4 different countries. The outcome of the analysis suggested in three of the four nations, that those admitted on the weekend for an emergency had a higher risk of dying within 30 days than those admitted during the week. In the U.S., the risk was 13% higher. The most dramatic difference was in the Netherlands with a 20% greater risk. The study didn't mention causes for the weekend effect.
Researchers indicate that the higher risks might be a result of decreased staffing levels. Study coauthor Paul Aylin of Imperial College London indicates that patients admitted on weekends, particularly stroke sufferers, are not as likely to get a same-day brain scan, less likely to get clot-busting treatment, and have worse outcomes than those accepted during the week.
Often patients or caregivers hear over and over that it was the weekend, that there was only one person here to do whatever for the whole hospital, or that someone was merely cross-covering and did not wish to produce any changes to the plan - the attending would be in next week.
Johns Hopkins University researchers who looked at more than 38,000 head injury patients. likewise documented in a study the weekend effect. They found that the weekend patients were 14% more likely to die from their injuries compared to patients admitted during the week.
Sadly, the clear solution - to increase weekend staffing – is impractical and expensive. Options could include transferring some patients to trauma centers or facilities that have more weekend capabilities.
To learn more regarding the weekend effect and possible solutions, contact us.
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