Crucial key performance indicators for hospital evaluation: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Effective hospital performance evaluation is vital due to resource limitations.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential for tracking and managing hospital operations.
• A comprehensive understanding of existing KPIs in hospitals is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify, classify, and analyze the utilization of hospital Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• To provide an evidence-based overview of the most frequently used and studied hospital performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-SCR guidelines.
• Searches included published and unpublished studies from October 2022 to December 2023 across multiple databases.
• 16 studies were included after screening 2,316 records.

Main Results:

• The 10 most frequently examined hospital KPIs were identified, including average length of stay, infection rates, patient satisfaction, and mortality.
• Average length of stay and rate of nosocomial infections were the most scrutinized indicators.
• Effectiveness and efficiency were the primary dimensions emphasized in the reviewed studies.

Conclusions:

• Average length of stay and infection rates are critical indicators for hospital performance assessment.
• The findings support a focused approach to hospital quality improvement by prioritizing key metrics.
• Further research could explore the impact and optimal use of these KPIs in diverse healthcare settings.