Specific Mortality Rates in Algeciras Hospital over the Period 1995-1996

Abstract

Background: In-hospital mortality has been proposed as an indicator of health care quality. It is also a fact that should be used for epidemiological monitoring and health planning. The aim of this work is to analyse the mortality in Algeciras Hospital, belonging to the Andalusia Health Authority. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out of the patients discharged from hospital between January 1995 and December 1996, using discharge data and/or their medical record. The structure of the joint basic minimum data report on hospital discharge was used. The periods of hospitalisation were grouped into the diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). Following an initial analysis of all the periods of hospitalisation, the discharges of patients under 80 years of age were analysed and the risk of death in hospital in line with the reason for admission was set. Results: In Algeciras Hospital between January 1995 and December 1996 a total of 24.194 episodes of hospitalisation and a 4.1% death rate were recorded. A higher death rate was observed for males (5.3%), as opposed to females (3.2%). (P<0.01). There were 750 in-hospital deaths in patients under 80 years of age, with a continued higher mortality rate for males....