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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisVery hardComparing death rates at two hospitals

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

Hospital A has a death rate of 4 percent among its patients and Hospital B a rate of 2 percent. Hospital A is a specialist centre that receives the sickest patients from the region. Which of the following statements is best supported?

  1. A. The comparison is confounded by how ill the patients are; Hospital A's higher rate may reflect sicker patients rather than worse care.Correct
  2. B. Hospital A provides worse care than Hospital B.
  3. C. Patients should avoid Hospital A.
  4. D. Hospital B's patients are sicker.

Answer: A. The comparison is confounded by how ill the patients are; Hospital A's higher rate may reflect sicker patients rather than worse care.

Sicker patients, higher rate, regardless of care.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Hospital A provides worse care than Hospital B.
The rates alone cannot show this.
C. Patients should avoid Hospital A.
The sickest patients are sent there because of its expertise.
D. Hospital B's patients are sicker.
The text says A receives the sickest.

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