A recently released study performed by the independent nonprofit organization, The Leapfrog Group, grades safety at New York City hospitals and offers insight into the performance and patient safety standards among the city’s healthcare providers. The study’s results suggest a mixed landscape in 2023 for hospital safety ratings. Hospitals face substantial challenges when it comes to providing patient care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leapfrog’s grading system ranged from A to D grades. Three hospitals earned an “A” grade, but many more facilities scored lower grades. Among the 44 New York City hospitals, 10 achieved an “A” or “B” grade, according to Leapfrog. 26 hospitals received “C” grades suggesting areas for improvement. Eight hospitals received D grades, indicating a need to improve patient safety protocols.
How Ratings Break Down
According to Leapfrog’s study, the breakdown of hospital safety grades includes:
“A” Grade Hospitals
- Long Island Jewish Forest Hills
- NYU Langone Brooklyn and First Avenue/Manhattan Hospitals
“B” Grade Hospitals
- Lenox Hill Hospital
- Mount Sinai Queens in Long Island City
- Mount Sinai Hospital
- New York-Presbyterian – Brooklyn Methodist
- New York-Presbyterian – Queens Hospital
- New York City Health Hospitals – Metropolitan
- Queens Hospital Center
The “C” Grade Hospitals
- Downstate Health Sciences University, University Hospital at Downstate in Brooklyn
- Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
- Maimonides Medical Center
- Montefiore Wakefield Campus
- Mount Sinai Beth Israel
- Mount Sinai Brooklyn
- Mount Sinai Morningside
- Mount Sinai West
- New York Community Hospital
- New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center
- New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital
- New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital
- New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Harlem
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Jacobi
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Lincoln
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Bellevue
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Elmhurst
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Kings County
- NYC Health & Hospitals – North Central Bronx
- NYC Health & Hospitals – Woodhull
- Richmond University Medical Center
- John’s Episcopal Church – Far Rockaway
- Staten Island University Hospital – North Campus
- The Brooklyn Hospital Center
- Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
“D” Grade Hospitals
- BronxCare Health System
- Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
- Flushing Hospital Medical Center
- Interfaith Medical Center
- Montefiore Einstein Campus
- Montefiore Moses Campus
- NYC Health and Hospitals – South Brooklyn Health
- Barnabas Hospital
How Grades Were Assigned
Leapfrog Group utilizes a grading scale including five letter grades that assess approximately 3,000 hospitals across the country. This measurement system assesses more than 30 factors impacting patient safety. While other watchdog groups and organizations offer hospital rating systems, Leapfrog’s system is distinct because it focuses on a hospital’s ability to protect patients from preventable errors involving safety.
How New York City Ranks Compared to Other Cities
In the broader context of rankings across the United States, New York City places 40th among states regarding how many “A” hospitals it has based on Leapfrog’s study. Notably, neighboring New Jersey received a top ranking for the highest number of “A” grade hospitals.
Growing Concern About HAIs
Leapfrog’s study also brought attention to an increasing concern throughout the country. The city has a high number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs): methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). These infections, according to Leapfrog’s research, have reached a five-year high, suggesting a worsening situation that should be promptly addressed by healthcare management.
The CEO and president of The Leapfrog Group, Leah Bind, has expressed concern about the substantial increase in HAIS reported during this safety grading cycle. Binder has emphasized the dire consequences of HAIs on patients. While she acknowledged the increased difficulties the Covid-19 pandemic has placed on hospitals and healthcare workers, Binder requested that hospitals renew their commitment to patient safety.
How Healthcare Organizations Can Improve Safety Standards
To meet the concerns raised by the Leapfrog study, hospitals and healthcare institutions in New York City should place increased importance on patient safety. They should also take thorough measures to reduce HAIs and other errors. Improving safety protocols, maintaining sufficient staffing levels, advancing effective communication among healthcare workers, and investing in healthcare workers’ training and education are critical steps to improving patient outcomes.
Hospitals should also stick to a culture of transparency and accountability by sharing safety details and engaging in continuous quality improvement initiatives. By identifying areas of weakness and utilizing evidence-based methods, hospitals can substantially improve existing patient safety standards and greatly reduce the risk of preventable errors impacting patients.
Patients and their loved ones play a critical role in advocating for their own safety. Individuals should actively participate in their healthcare choices. This means asking questions about the care received and expressing any concerns about future care. By remaining informed and engaged participants in the healthcare they receive, patients can promote a safer environment.
The Significance of Leapfrog’s Study
Leapfrog’s study will hopefully act as a warning for New York City hospitals, urging patients to prioritize patient safety standards and work harder toward meeting better safety grades. By utilizing a patient-focused approach and implementing comprehensive techniques to avoid infections and errors impacting patients. This not only safeguards patients, but improves the reputation of healthcare providers among those receiving care.
How Patients Should Utilize Leapfrog’s Safety Grades
Patients might wonder how to appropriately use the information gleaned from these safety grades. While valuable insight into hospital performance, healthcare standards should not be the first or only factor patients should consider. Instead, patients should analyze various elements about care providers. These additional details include quality of care, specialized services, physicians’ expertise, and patient satisfaction.
Leapfrog’s safety grades for New York City hospitals should emphasize patient safety standards. The research demonstrated various grades, while only a few select hospitals received the highest grade. Reducing HAIs and improving patient safety standards should remain top priorities for healthcare institutions.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Experienced NY Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been injured by an HAI or any type of medical error by a New York City healthcare provider, you might feel uncertain about how to proceed. In these situations, you should remember that you have the right to compensation. You should also speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe LLP today to schedule a free case evaluation.
