Impact of Private Equity on Hospital Care Experience

A study examined the patient-reported care experience in U.S. hospitals that have been acquired by private equity firms. The research compared 73 private equity-acquired hospitals to 293 control hospitals based on overall hospital ratings and willingness to recommend. Results indicated a significant decline in patient-reported ratings following the acquisition, with negative perceptions peaking three years post-acquisition. This trend raises concerns about the implications of private equity investments on quality of care in healthcare settings.