A new study of some 3,000 hospitals' risk-adjusted records from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Hospital Compare has concluded that there is a closer correlation between levels of patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes such as readmissions than originally thought. "Multiple potential theories exist by which patient experience could affect clinical outcomes and vice versa," lead researcher Stephen Trceziak, M.D., said in the study announcement. "One theory is that healthcare providers who are diligent about providing an excellent patient experience may be similarly diligent about excellence in all aspects of patient care. Another theory is that an excellent patient experience may inspire patient confidence and adherence to a treatment plan both in the hospital and following discharge." Read the full article in FierceHealthcare