They found that certain types of medical errors are 46 percent less likely to occur at top-rated U.S. hospitals than bottom-ranked hospitals.
Nationwide, hospitals varied widely in their performance.
The study also found patients in top ranked hospitals were 30 percent less likely to contract a hospital acquired bloodstream infection.
Authors of the study urge patients to research the patient safety ratings of hospitals in their community and know what steps to take so they can protect themselves.
