Canadian study shows higher risk of death in private for-profit hospitals
A study of the Canadian health care system…
In the studies of adult populations, with adjustment for potential confounders, private for-profit hospitals were associated with an increased risk of death (relative risk [RR] 1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003–1.038; p = 0.02). The one perinatal study with adjustment for potential confounders also showed an increased risk of death in private for-profit hospitals (RR 1.095, 95% CI 1.050–1.141; p < 0.0001).
Interpretation: Our meta-analysis suggests that private for-profit ownership of hospitals, in comparison with private not-for-profit ownership, results in a higher risk of death for patients.
What does this show? That patient survival is apparently a liability for for-profit hospitals. Efficiency is king! Profits rule all! If your health gets in the way of profits, too bad!
