Selection of hospital quality indicators for public disclosure in Germany

This paper introduces the QUALIFY instrument as an indicator assessment method used to select quality indicators suitable for public disclosure in Germany.

Fifty-five hospital quality indicators previously approved in routine use were systematically tested for suitability in public disclosure. A multi-disciplinary expert team including patient representatives used the QUALIFY instrument to assess the methodological quality of these indicators in detailed respect to their purpose. The team applied 14 of the 20 QUALIFY criteria to each indicator, the minimum acceptance level for public reporting was determined in advance.

Thirty one indicators from eleven clinical conditions fulfilled all fourteen methodological criteria required for national reporting. They include eleven outcome and twenty process indicators.

QUALIFY proved to be a useful tool for selecting quality indicators suitable for public disclosure and thus contributes substantially to proper information on German hospital quality. It ensures high transparency in a very sensitive context to all stakeholders.