Today's SurgiCenter

Increase Quality Care For Patients Through Benchmarking

By Naomi Kuznets, PhD

While ambulatory healthcare providers have an intrinsic understanding of the importance of constantly improving the quality of the care they deliver, the solutions for establishing and maintaining the means toward this end may be less apparent. However, in increasing numbers, ambulatory care organizations have found that one of the keys to improving patient health and safety is by participating in benchmarking activities.

Benchmarking is a performance measurement tool used in conjunction with quality improvement initiatives to measure comparative performance with external organizations and identify best practices. In essence, benchmarking activities allow organizations to evaluate and measure their performance against peers participating in the same study. It’s an effective way to determine whether an organization’s performance in a specific area is consistent with other organizations. Participants can evaluate best practices and develop a plan for putting the pieces in place that will put them on the road toward enhanced quality of care.

To begin the benchmarking process, the organization must evaluate key indicators that have been based on reliable data collected and analyzed in a systematic process. Organizations should be prepared to measure changes in performance related to the key indicators, and demonstrate the capacity to sustain significant improvement over time. A significant portion of time is devoted to collecting data that reflect performance of healthcare professionals who provide care to patients.

By the very nature of participating in a benchmarking study, the entire organization at every level must commit to the process through teamwork and enhanced communication. The result is that a “quality culture” often develops, marked by greater efficiencies of care without compromising — and frequently improving — effectiveness. The primary benefit is that quality is improved, and along with it, patient satisfaction. Other dividends include savings in money, time, and other resources.

From a practical standpoint, benchmarking can also assist ambulatory organizations meet accreditation or other regulatory requirements. It may help fulfill payment requirements, and can reduce liability and liability insurance.

One aspect of benchmarking often overlooked is that results from the study can be leveraged in marketing activities to highlight a commitment to quality care. This creates a “point of difference” with competitors to help increase patient traffic and referrals.

When an organization can examine its work processes, and share lessons with others, it promotes high quality patient care for itself and for the entire ambulatory care environment.