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Published on: January 16, 2019
Quality measurement at intensive care units: which indicators should we use?
Maartje de Vos1, Wilco Graafmans, Els Keesman
1National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. maartje.de.vos@rivm.nl
Journal of Critical Care
|December 19, 2007
Summary
This study developed 11 quality indicators for intensive care units (ICUs) in Dutch hospitals. A computerized data system is crucial for managing the workload associated with registering these quality of care indicators.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Critical Care Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Measuring quality of care in intensive care units (ICUs) is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Previous research has identified various process, structure, and outcome indicators for critical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a validated set of quality indicators for Dutch intensive care units (ICUs).
- To assess the feasibility and workload associated with registering these quality indicators.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search (2000-2005) and expert panel consensus were used to identify potential indicators.
- A 6-month feasibility study in 18 ICUs evaluated the registration process using site visits, interviews, and questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Initially 62 indicators were identified; 11 were selected after expert consensus and feasibility testing.
- Selected indicators include: intensivist availability, patient-to-nurse ratio, medication error strategies, patient satisfaction, ICU length of stay, mechanical ventilation duration, bed occupancy, glucose control, standardized mortality, decubitus incidence, and unplanned extubations.
- Registration workload varied significantly, influenced by the availability of computerized data collection systems.
Conclusions:
- A set of 11 quality indicators for intensive care was successfully developed and validated.
- These indicators provide a concise overview of care quality in individual ICUs.
- Implementing a computerized data collection system is vital for managing registration workload and ensuring indicator feasibility.
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