The Joint Commission, an independent regulatory body, recently released a report that indicates that the quality of treatment amongst the 3,000 plus hospitals that it certifies is increasing for certain ailments. The report states that more hospitals are following the recommended treatment for heart attacks, pneumonia and children's asthma.
The report appears to indicate that when recommended treatments are followed, lives are saved. "Many of these measures reflect processes of care that when done correctly save lives," states Dr. Mark Chassin, the Joint Commission's president.
Report Statistics
The report shows that the percentage of cases when the recommended treatment for certain ailments is followed is on the rise.
- In 2009, the recommended treatment for pneumonia was undertaken in 93 percent of cases. This is up from the recommended treatment being followed in 72 percent of cases in 2002.
- The recommended treatment for children's asthma was followed 88 percent of the time in 2009, which is up from 71 percent of cases in 2007.
- An incredible 98 percent of hospitals followed the recommended treatment for heart attacks in 2009, this is up from 89 percent in 2002.
Overall, the report notes that percentage of hospitals in the report with scores greater than 90 percent had increased drastically.
The Joint Commission's report indicates that the number of people victimized by medical malpractice may be on the decline and patient safety on the rise. However, if you have been the victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An attorney can help you seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
