Will performance measurement lead to better patient outcomes? What are the roles of the National Quality Forum and Medical Specialty Societies?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Institution/Department

Quality Improvement; Medical Education

Journal Title

Chest

MeSH Headings

Benchmarking, Congresses as Topic, Guideline Adherence, Health Planning, Humans, Medicine, Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care, Quality Indicators, Health Care, Societies, Medical, United States

Abstract

Performance measures (PMs) are specified metrics by which a health-care provider's care can be compared with national benchmarks. The use of PMs is a key component of efforts to improve the quality and value of health care. The National Quality Forum (NQF) is the federally recognized endorser of PMs. From 2006 to 2009, the Quality Improvement Committee (QIC) of the American College of Chest Physicians engaged in the review of proposed PMs as a member of the NQF. This article provides a review of the QIC's experience with PMs and NQF membership and the lessons learned, an overview of the enhancements made to the NQF endorsement process in 2010 and 2011, and a discussion of the next steps that would further strengthen the measure development and endorsement processes and increase the likelihood of measurement leading to better patient outcomes.

ISSN

1931-3543

First Page

300

Last Page

307

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