Key result
A high probability of physician handoff was not associated with increased 30-day mortality compared with a low probability (adjusted difference 0.0%; 95% CI, -0.2% to 0.1%).
Why the study?
Transitions of patient care among physician trainees are linked to adverse outcomes, but little is known about the association between handoffs and outcomes among attending hospitalist physicians.
Does high probability of physician handoff increase 30-day mortality in hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries treated by a hospitalist?
Population
1 074 000 hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries treated by a hospitalist
Comparison
High vs low probability of physician handoff
Design
Cross-sectional study
Follow-up
30-day
Authors
Loading...
Should not alter handoff practices for most Medicare inpatients; leaves open risks in high-severity subgroups for prospective study.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,074,000)
Yes
Does high probability of physician handoff increase 30-day mortality in hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries treated by a hospitalist?
Mean Difference: 0 (95% CI -0.2–0.1)
Absolute Event Rate: 10.6% vs 10.6%
Absolute Risk Reduction: 0%
Physician handoff among hospitalists is not associated with increased 30-day mortality overall in hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries, though an exploratory analysis suggests potential risk in patients with high illness severity.
Farid et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in General medical condition (n=1,074,000). High probability of physician handoff vs. Low probability of physician handoff was evaluated on 30-day mortality rate (adjusted difference 0.0%, 95% CI -0.2 to 0.1). A high probability of physician handoff was not associated with increased 30-day mortality compared with a low probability (adjusted difference 0.0%; 95% CI, -0.2% to 0.1%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: