Statistical study of the deaths in Intensive Care Units (ICU) has revealed that over-nights and weekends are the 'peak time' for hospital deaths.
Statistical study of the deaths in Intensive Care Units
(ICU) has revealed that over-nights and weekends are the 'peak time' for
hospital deaths. 8-year records from 41 Australian Hospitals were reviewed for
the same. The revelations are significant as it indicates the seriousness of
injuries that people suffer beyond business hours and also throws light over
the fact that ICU staff has to deal with more complicated cases overnights and
on weekends.
It was found that 14% deaths occurred during the day i.e.
between 6am-6pm, while the mortality rate for patients who were admitted after
the working hours i.e. between 6pm-6am was 17%. Similarly 14% deaths occurred
during the week as compared to the 20% on weekends.
The study has been published in the Medical
Journal of Australia but more study is necessary to point out the differences
in the patient mortality rates.
Source-Medindia