Benchmarking in healthcare: selecting and working with partners

The process of selecting a benchmarking partner begins with gathering information to establish industry standards, identifying potential partners and supplying data on the subject to be benchmarked. Suggested sources of information are business and trade publications; investment industry analysts; journalists; trade associations and professional organizations; government research reports; disclosure documents; current and former employees; and product and service providers. Potential partners should be approached only after careful preparation of a project plan that includes information about the benchmarking team's organization and purpose, description of the subject and a statement of benefits for the prospective partner. After obtaining a commitment from the benchmarking partner, relevant comparative data is gathered and analyzed, using some of the following methods: library research, questionnaires, telephone surveys, site visits and consultants. Because benchmarking often involves sharing information with competitors, a code of ethical conduct has been developed by the International Benchmarking Clearinghouse.