Study compares mortality rates at magnet and non-magnet hospitals

Medscape: Magnet Hospitals Show Lower Mortality For Surgery Patients
Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of mortality in surgery patients compared with non-Magnet hospitals in a 4-state area during a 2-year period, according to a study published online October 7 in Medical Care. However, the better patient outcomes are attributable to more than just better nursing care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program was established in the 1990s. Today, almost 400 hospitals are recognized as "Magnet" hospitals -; meaning they have been identified as good places for nurses to work -; representing about 8% of hospitals nationwide. Many of the Magnet hospitals in this study are large, nonprofit, teaching, and high-tech hospitals (Hand, 10/30).