Taming the measurement monster

The healthcare performance measurement landscape continues to evolve. Despite questions about the value of performance data, healthcare organizations are being challenged to meet the data demands of a growing number of mandatory and voluntary measurement projects. Standardization of measure specifications and definitions is months (if not years) away. For healthcare organizations, the measurement "monster" may seem impossible to tame. Although the measurement capabilities of healthcare organizations are being stretched, there are some solutions. First, senior executives must be actively involved in promoting a meaningful measurement system that is compatible with the organization's quality goals and meets regulatory, purchaser, and accreditation requirements. Next, efficiency improvements in the way of systemwide collaboration and expanded information technology support can help reduce the administrative burdens. There is no denying that the focus on measurement has advanced the quality of patient care. Healthcare organizations must create the systems necessary to sustain these gains and move forward toward ever better patient care.