US study: Fewer dying in hospitals, more at home

Health officials say fewer Americans are dying in hospitals as more are dying at home

Mike Stobbe, AP Medical Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- Surveys show most Americans would rather die at home than in a hospital. Now, a new government study suggests more and more people getting their wish.

The researchers studied the deaths of patients admitted to a sampling of hospitals. They determined that hospital deaths accounted for 29 percent of U.S. deaths in 2010, down from more than 32 percent in 2000.

Meanwhile, other reports indicate deaths in the home grew from 23 percent to 27 percent over the decade. Deaths in nursing homes held steady at around 21 percent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the figures Wednesday. CDC officials said the growing availability of hospice care may be one factor for fewer hospital deaths.

___

Online:

CDC report: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/