Monitoring changes in hospital standardised mortality ratios
BMJ 2005; 330 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.330.7487.329 (Published 10 February 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;330:329
- Brian Jarman,
- Alex Bottle,
- Paul Aylin,
- Mike Browne
- Dr Foster Unit, Imperial College
- Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust
Routinely collected hospital episode statistics data can be used to calculate hospital standardised mortality ratios and adjusted death rates for various diagnoses and procedures.w1 Providing this information to hospitals can prove a stimulus to the introduction of a range of improvements in hospital care, mainly with the aim of reducing avoidable deaths. The subsequent changes in mortality can be monitored. We report the experience of Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust.
The bottom line
In 2000 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust had an HSMR of 130, the highest of all main acute hospitals in England
After the HSMR data were published Walsall set up seven clinical governance groups to identify where improvements could be implemented
The hospital's mortality data were monitored over the next four years, and by September 2004 the HSMR had dropped to 92.8
Hospital medical care has become more complex than it was in the days when there were few effective treatments available. Now …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.