ADVERSE medication events in hospitals currently cost the health system more than $170 million annually, according to a new analysis released by the Grattan Institute.
The thinktank's head of health policy, Stephen Duckett, spoke about hospital safety in a presentation yesterday, identifying a host of reforms to improve both patient care and bottom lines.
Other hospital-acquired issues highlighted include post-procedural complications ($451m), accidental injuries ($155m), cardiovascular complications ($490m), skin conditions ($293m) and "specific infections" which are estimated to cost $948m annually.
Duckett particularly urged changes to the way hospital accreditation is granted "because the current system does not improve patient outcomes, provides no incentives to hospitals and doctors for excellent safety performance, and accreditation reports are kept secret".
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