Does the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)'s Educational Background Have an Impact on the Academic Hospital Leapfrog Safety Grades?

Background This study aims to investigate the potential association of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)'s educational background on hospital safety metrics, specifically the Leapfrog safety grades. Methods A total of 172 academic and university-affiliated hospitals across the United States were included in the study. Information regarding a CEO's background was obtained through hospital websites, while the Leapfrog safety scores were found through the Leapfrog safety grade website. Hospital sizes were also noted. Results A total of 67 hospitals were led by Doctors of Medicine (MDs), 16 were led by Masters in Business Administration (MBAs), 14 were led by Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHAs), and 62 were led by CEOs with various other degree types. Of the 42 A-rated hospitals included, 17 were led by physicians and 25 by nonphysicians. The average Leapfrog grade point average was similar regardless of the CEO's background, ranging from 2.6 to 3.1. Conclusion The findings suggest that a CEO's educational background has less of an impact on the overall hospital safety performance than what may have previously been hypothesized.