Measuring hospital mortality

Abstract

The hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) and the summary hospital mortality index (SHMI) are both in current use in the UK as measures of the performance of acute hospitals. Characteristics of both the acute hospital itself and of its local healthcare environment influence these indices. Whilst many hope that measures of mortality can be used as a surrogate for healthcare quality, this is an evolving area. © 2013 Rila Publications Ltd.