According to a new study, Wisconsin is one of five states in the nation in which hospitals, as a group, showed the most improvement in patient safety.

The conclusion was made by Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization that focuses on making information public about patient safety and healthcare quality.

Wisconsin hospitals improved from a 44th place ranking in 2012 to sixth in 2017. A total of 33 hospitals in the state, including the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics (as named in the analysis), received an "A" ranking by the organization.

Each hospital was scored for safety and quality issues regarding healthcare-acquired infections, surgical problems, error prevention, safety problems related to a hospital stay such as air or gas bubbles in the blood (air embolism), and measures that personnel take to ensure safety.

Resources:

• "How does your hospital rank for patient safety? Wisconsin hospitals make improvements in study," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 2, 2017
• Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Report - University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics (i.e., University Hospital)

Photo caption: Aerial view of University Hospital. Credit: Jeff Miller/UW-Madison Communications