For the first time, U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the country’s top children’s hospitals factored in diversity, equity and inclusion.
The 2022-2023 rankings, released Tuesday, looked at 119 children’s hospitals across the nation. The publication ranked hospitals in 10 different specialties, incorporating data on patient outcomes, health equity and compliance with best practices.
For the ninth year in a row, Boston Children’s Hospital was ranked the top children’s hospital in the country. It received top-five rankings in eight of the 10 specialties included in the survey.
The hospital’s President and CEO, Dr. Kevin Churchwell, said the recognition is especially meaningful in light of the difficulties hospitals have faced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This ranking is a testament to the extraordinary work and resolve of our entire Boston Children’s family and a tribute to their dedication to the patients, families and communities we are privileged to serve,” Churchwell said. “We are honored to be recognized again as the nation’s leading children’s hospital, and we are proud of our unwavering commitment to improving and advancing the health and well-being of children.”
Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News & World Report, said the addition of diversity, equity and inclusion as a factor in the rankings was years in the making.
For patients, a hospital’s equity work and outcomes are an essential part of an informed choice, he said.
“From a hospital quality standpoint, it’s not just those who may be affected directly by disparities, say, historically underserved populations, but it’s also an indicator for all patients,” Harder said. “A hospital is high quality if it can get high quality outcomes for patients regardless.”
Ten children’s hospitals made this year’s “Honor Roll,” indicating high-level care in multiple specialties.
1. Boston Children’s Hospital
2. Texas Children’s Hospital
3. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
4. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
5. Children’s National Hospital
6. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
7. Children’s Hospital Colorado
8. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
9. Nationwide Children’s Hospital
10. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
