Key result
Surgery at academic hospitals was not significantly associated with the 30-day composite of death, complications, and readmissions compared to non-academic hospitals (aOR 1.13; 95% CI 0.99-1.28).
Why the study?
Literature linking hospital academic status to improved postoperative outcomes is conflicting, and no prior studies had explored this across a broad range of surgeries and patients.
Does surgery at academic hospitals improve postoperative outcomes compared to non-academic hospitals in adult surgical patients?
Cohort (n=1,165,711)
Yes
Does surgery at academic hospitals improve postoperative outcomes compared to non-academic hospitals in adult surgical patients?
Odds Ratio: 1.13 (95% CI 0.99–1.28)
Surgery at academic hospitals was not associated with improved 30-day outcomes and was linked to slightly higher odds of adverse outcomes at 90 days and 1 year, challenging the assumption that teaching hospitals consistently provide higher-quality surgical care.
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Academic hospitals showed no 30-day benefit and higher longer-term risks; leaves open whether teaching status affects surgical outcomes.
Riveros et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Common surgical procedures (n=1,165,711). Surgery at academic hospitals vs. Surgery at non-academic hospitals was evaluated on Composite of 30-day postoperative deaths, complications, and readmissions (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.28). Surgery at academic hospitals was not significantly associated with the 30-day composite of death, complications, and readmissions compared to non-academic hospitals (aOR 1.13; 95% CI 0.99-1.28).
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