According to the findings, patients receiving care in private equity hospitals saw a 25.4% increase in hospital-related injuries and health complications, compared to those treated in a public hospital.
Researchers found that private equity hospital patients reported a 27.3% increase in falls, and a 37.7% increase in catheter-related bloodstream infections. These bloodstream infections increased in private equity hospitals despite a 16.2% decrease in line placement, compared to public hospitals. Surgical site infections also doubled among private equity facilities, even though they performed fewer procedures.
The findings suggest patients admitted to private equity firm hospitals receive poorer quality of care, often resulting in patients needing to be transferred to other acute care hospitals for further treatment.
Private Equity Firm Acquisition Concerns
Researchers have been concerned about private equity companies acquiring hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities for years, as well as the implications the acquisitions have on patient health.
A prior study conducted in 2021 revealed findings similar to those found in the recent study, indicating patients residing in a private equity-owned nursing home were 9% more likely to be hospitalized, and 11% more likely to have emergency room visits.
Private equity nursing homes also charged residents 4% more, resulting in roughly $1,080 more in annual costs per patient, compared to other care facilities.
