Highlights
Three out of five of the focus utilization metrics saw a decrease in volume from November to December 2024. Observation admissions showed only a small decline compared to January 2020 baseline going from 0% in November to -1% below baseline in December. Ambulatory surgeries and psychiatric admissions also showed a relatively small decline compared to baseline going from -2% to -5% and -24% to -27% respectively. Emergency department visits and acute care admissions present a slight uptick in volumes respectively going from -26% to -20%, and -16% to -13% below baseline as shown in Fig. 1 below.

The shift in psychiatric admissions remains this month as volume continue to remain below the median for the reported period as shown in Fig. 2 below. Although not a statistical shift, specialty admissions show a similar pattern in recent months as shown in Fig. 3 below.

Patient safety is a top priority for health care organizations. A better patient safety environment is associated with a lower probability of significant complications and dramatically reduces medical errors and adverse events, improves patient outcomes and increases efficiency and effectiveness. A patient safety culture within hospitals contribute to a higher standard of care, encourages collaboration and open communications, more coordinated care and improved overall performance.

The economic impact findings, which tell the story of Howard’s 157-year commitment to strategic investment and service to its community, show that Howard’s economic impact in the District alone totaled $1.154 billion in 2019. That year, the University’s student body population, comprised of nearly 13,500 students, spent over $25 million on retail consumer services, entertainment, dining, and other convenience goods. The University made payments totaling more than $500 million to more than 2,300 vendors in fiscal year 2024, including more than $235 million paid to local vendors. In addition, the University and Howard University Hospital current workforce was comprised of nearly 5,000 employees, with a payroll of $395 million.