Avoidable deaths rise in the U.S.; decline elsewhere

Avoidable deaths in the United States are increasing, while many other high-income countries are seeing a decline. This trend has been noted over the past ten years, according to a study from Brown University and Harvard University. Researchers looked at mortality data from all 50 states in the U.S. and 40 other high-income countries. They found that, from 2009 to 2021, avoidable deaths worsened in the U.S. However, countries in the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) showed improvements, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead author Irene Papanicolas emphasized that the rise in avoidable deaths reflects ongoing problems in the U.S. healthcare system. She pointed out that, while life expectancy has been declining, other countries have been successfully reducing avoidable deaths through prevention and treatment. On average, avoidable mortality in the U.S. rose by 32.5 deaths per 100,000 people. In contrast, avoidable mortality fell by 25.2 deaths per 100,000 in EU countries and 22.8 in OECD countries. Papanicolas expressed concern that all U.S. states are experiencing this rise. In specific states, the increases were significant. New York saw an increase of 4.9 deaths per 100,000, while West Virginia experienced a jump of 99.6. The study also found rising deaths from various causes, including preventable illnesses and treatable conditions. Interestingly, higher spending on healthcare in the U.S. did not correlate with lower avoidable mortality rates. Other high-income countries, however, showed a link between increased spending and improved health outcomes. The study used data from various health organizations to highlight these growing mortality concerns. It serves as a call to action for U.S. policymakers to address the widening gap in avoidable deaths. The researchers plan to explore effective practices from other countries that could help reduce these fatalities in the U.S.