On December 8, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) released its 2010/2011 Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR) results for eligible hospitals, Local Health Integration Networks and Regional Health Authorities across Canada (excluding Quebec).
The HSMR is a measure calculated by CIHI for all acute care hospitals in Canada. It represents a ratio of the number of deaths that actually occurred in hospital relative to the number that would be expected to occur, once adjustments for factors that are commonly associated with a higher risk of death are taken into account. The HSMR is calculated based on diagnosis groups that account for 80 per cent of deaths in Canadian hospitals.
According to the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), HSMR is not intended to serve as a measure for hospitals to compare themselves against other organizations, nor for the public to use as a measure of choosing where to seek care. Rather it is one tool, to be considered along with several other performance indicators used by Canada’s hospitals, to assess and track quality improvement initiatives over time.
Bluewater Health is using HSMR data, in conjunction with other information, to focus on our ongoing efforts to improve patient outcomes and to provide a safe healthcare environment. This work also serves to assure the community of our consistent focus on quality, safety, performance and public accountability.
For the current reporting period, Bluewater Health’s Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR) was 88, indicating a mortality rate that is below the national average of 100, after all adjustments are made for the types of patients cared for; age; gender; and other factors.
Bluewater Health welcomes the opportunity to participate in the CIHI initiative. This HSMR data provides yet another indicator for measuring and monitoring quality of care, examining our performance and continuously improving the care we provide our patients and the community.
The full report can be found on the CIHI website.
Data InterpretationHSMR is calculated as a ratio of:
The number of observed deaths x 100
The number of expected deaths
HSMR is based upon diagnosis groups that account for 80% of all deaths in acute care hospitals and is adjusted for factors including age, sex, length of stay, admission category and co-morbidities.
Factors that can contribute to a hospital’s HSMR include the number of hospitalized elderly patients and patients with complex conditions, the community’s unique health demographics and illnesses, access to tertiary centres or hospice care, and the declining number of local family physicians providing primary care.
This information is updated annually.