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Insights
Patients needing treatment for specific conditions often have better survival rates at high-volume hospitals. Despite ongoing debate on the validity of these volume-outcome studies, purchasers are increasingly considering this data for referrals.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Economics
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Volume-outcome studies suggest a correlation between hospital procedure volume and patient survival rates.
- The validity of these studies is debated within the medical research community.
- Healthcare purchasers are increasingly interested in volume-outcome data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between hospital treatment volume and patient survival for specific conditions.
- To inform healthcare purchasers about the implications of volume-outcome studies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing volume-outcome studies.
- Review of healthcare purchaser practices and considerations.
- Discussion of selective referral strategies to high-volume facilities.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests higher patient survival rates at hospitals with higher treatment volumes for certain conditions.
- Healthcare purchasers are actively considering volume-outcome data in their decision-making.
- Selective referral to high-volume facilities is being discussed by some purchaser groups.
Conclusions:
- The volume-outcome relationship warrants attention from healthcare providers and purchasers.
- Further research may be needed to address the ongoing debate on study validity.
- Purchaser focus on volume may influence healthcare delivery and patient referral patterns.
Abstract:
Patients with certain conditions have better odds for survival if they go to hospitals that treat a high volume of those conditions. Some researchers question the validity of the volume-outcome studies in general. Even as the debate proceeds, however, health care purchasers are paying closer attention to such studies. One group of high-profile purchasers is even discussing the controversial practice of selective referrals to high-volume facilities.