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

## TL;DR

This study examines whether a hospital CEO's educational background affects the hospital's safety grade, finding little impact.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence that CEO educational background has minimal influence on hospital safety performance.

## Key findings

- Hospitals led by physicians and nonphysicians had similar average Leapfrog grade point averages.
- The CEO's educational background showed no significant association with hospital safety grades.

## Abstract

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.