A resident-focussed model for performance measurement in long-term care.

摘要

Health care systems have been criticized for their inability to demonstrate results in the face of escalating costs. Many systems worldwide have looked toward performance measurement as a means of articulating their results and demonstrating accountability. None of these models has evolved in their use to the point where this has been achieved nor is there agreement on how to demonstrate this accountability to the various stakeholders of health care systems. What has become clear is a growing consensus over which dimensions and measures are employed, particularly in the acute care system.; This study is concerned with performance measurement in the long term care sector. Traditional approaches to health system performance measurement do not apply in this sector due to the long term, residential nature of the service, which delivers end of life care. As well, none of the existing models for performance measurement adequately reflect the performance expectations of the consumer group, the residents. The model proposed here seeks to address the four themes identified by resident focus groups in one long term care facility. The model also builds on the growing consensus on performance dimensions and measures appropriate to long term care. The dimensions include client focus, effectiveness, efficiency, economy, equity, safety, and workforce. Measures were selected for each of these dimensions that have been included in other measurement systems. Most importantly, some measures were included that provide information related to the themes that were identified by the residents.