Hospital staffing and patient outcomes after private equity acquisition (23 September 2025)

Summary

After private equity acquisition, hospitals may experience changes in staffing with implications for patients.

This study examined hospital staffing and patient outcomes in US emergency departments (EDs) and intensive care units (ICUs) before and after hospitals were acquired by private equity.

It found that after private equity acquisition, hospitals on average reduced salaries and staffing relative to nonacquired hospitals, notably in the EDs and ICUs, which are higher-acuity and staffing-sensitive areas. This decreased capacity to deliver care may explain the increased patient transfers to other hospitals, shortened ICU lengths of stay, and increased ED mortality.