What is it about?
Many studies have demonstrated an apparent increase in mortality for those admitted to hospital on the weekend. However, it turns out that the conditions most affected are those which undergo the greatest reduction in admissions on the weekend. The governments (England) own data is re-analysed to demonstrate that it does not support the proposed higher weekend mortality effect.
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Why is it important?
Based on earlier studies the government (England) is pressing for 7 day working in the NHS, which will not make any effect on weekend mortality.
Perspectives
Yet another example of politicians seizing on evidence which corroborates policy rather than investigating the issues in more depth. Part of a wider series on hospital mortality, see http://www.hcaf.biz/2010/Publications_Full.pdf
Dr Rodney P Jones
Healthcare Analysis & Forecasting
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Is the weekend mortality effect real?, British Journal of Healthcare Management, January 2017, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/bjhc.2017.23.1.39.
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