Surgeons at hospital A report that the mortality rate at the end of a 1-year follow-up after a new coronary bypass procedure is 15%. At hospital B, the surgeons report a 1-year mortality rate of 8% after the same procedure. Before concluding that the surgeons at hospital B had vastly superior skill, which of the following possible confounding factors would you examine?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: All listed factors (a-d) could contribute to differences in mortality rates, making 'all of the above' the most comprehensive answer. Since we shift 'E' options to 'D', D is correct.