Northwest Hospital puts its information, stats online

It's easier to compare brands of lawnmowers than hospitals online.

No one knows this more than Bruce K. Crowther, Northwest Community Hospital president and CEO.

"It's always been frustrating for me," he said. "The data is out there but only available to hospital officials. People are buying health care at hospitals. They should have as much information as possible."

On Monday, the Arlington Heights hospital will launch a new Web site that compares Northwest Hospital's services and health care to state and national statistics -- sort of like the "Consumer Reports" for hospital services. Everything from mortality rates to the percentage of heart attack patients who are given aspirin upon arrival will be listed on the Web site.

Some of the categories are complicated, and probably only patients suffering from certain diseases will understand them. For example, the site lists the number of stroke patients given antithrombotic therapy. While some terms sound complex, people can click on each category for a short explanation.

Other categories are more clear. For example, about 12 out of 100 people treated at Northwest for heart failure die within 30 days. Statewide, that figure is about 15 per 100 people.

The site also lists patient satisfaction. About 90 percent of Northwest patients are likely to recommend the hospital to friends and family.

No other hospital in the Midwest has a similar Web site, Crowther said.

"My goal is that other hospitals will see this and respond," he said.

The hospital plans to add pricing information and a doctor rating system to the site in early 2008.

To check out the Web site, visit www.nch.org/metrics.