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Errors in data on hospital ownership
S Mitchell1, J Spetz, J A Seago
1Department of Health Policy, Yale University, School of Public Health and Epidemiology, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Summary
Public concern about hospital ownership changes is rising. This study reveals significant inaccuracies in commonly used hospital ownership data, highlighting the need for better data collection methods to understand market consolidation effects accurately.
Area of Science:
- Health economics
- Healthcare management
- Health services research
Background:
- Growing public and research interest in hospital ownership changes and market consolidation.
- Previous studies on hospital ownership impacts (prices, costs, quality, access) rely on potentially flawed data.
- Inconsistencies in data sources hinder accurate analysis of hospital market dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of data sources used in hospital ownership research.
- To identify and quantify inaccuracies in commonly utilized datasets.
- To underscore the necessity of improved primary data collection for reliable analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of multiple data sources commonly employed in hospital ownership studies.
- Comparative assessment of data accuracy across different sources.
- Identification of specific types and degrees of inaccuracies within datasets.
Main Results:
- Significant inaccuracies were identified in several widely used data sources on hospital ownership.
- The extent of data inaccuracy varies depending on the specific data source examined.
- Existing datasets may not fully or accurately capture changes in hospital ownership and affiliations.
Conclusions:
- Current data limitations pose a challenge to understanding the true impact of hospital ownership changes.
- Researchers must be cautious when interpreting findings based on incomplete or inaccurate data.
- Substantial primary data collection efforts are essential for accurate accounting of hospital ownership and system affiliation changes.