Patient outcomes in hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 care vs other hospitals

Editor's Note

This study by researchers at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, finds that patient treatment at hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 care was associated with lower in-hospital mortality.

Of 5,504 patients with COVID-19 analyzed, 2,077 were treated at one of two COVID-19 dedicated hospitals, and 3,427 were treated at other hospitals.

In univariate analysis, the mortality rate was 11.6% at the dedicated hospitals, compared to 8% at other hospitals.

In multivariate analysis that adjusted for increased severity of illness, in-hospital mortality and complications were significantly lower for patients at dedicated hospitals.

Dedicated hospitals also administered more COVID-19 specific treatments, including deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, high-dose corticosteroids, remdesivir, and tocilizumab.

The results show improved in-hospital mortality for patients in dedicated hospitals, owing to improved processes of care, the researchers say.