By using instrumental variables,what was Ramanarayanan able to suggest regarding the learning curve?
A)High quality surgeons receive more referrals and can be choosier with their patients thus experiencing better outcomes
B)Surgeons who treat more patients after the retirement of a colleague experience better outcomes
C)Surgeons who treat more patients after the retirement of a colleague experience the same outcomes
D)Surgeons who treat more patients after the retirement of a colleague experience worse outcomes
E)Each additional surgery performed by a surgeon increases the probability of patient mortality

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ramanarayanan used instrumental variables to examine the impact of surgeon experience (measured by the number of surgeries performed) on patient outcomes. The instrumental variable used was the retirement of a colleague, which was assumed to randomly affect the number of patients a surgeon would treat. The results suggested that surgeons who treated more patients after the retirement of a colleague experienced better outcomes, indicating that the learning curve is important and that experience improves surgical outcomes. Therefore, choice B is correct.

By Using Instrumental Variables,what Was Ramanarayanan Able to Suggest Regarding