Development of a Provider Profiling Tool for Reappointment

摘要

Provider profiling is simply measuring a process and/or outcome and comparing it to some defined norm. Profiling has many uses: utilization management, cost-effectiveness review, meeting access standards, patient satisfaction, outcomes assessment, population health, etc. Unfortunately, providers have had a very negative reaction to profiling, a tool that can help them improve outcomes and make their practices more efficient. This paper will explore the reasons for the negative reactions, the keys to a successful profiling system, and the various attributes of good measures. The purpose of this project is to develop a tool that will aid in meeting the profiling requirements established by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and to use the tool for ongoing quality improvement. This paper examines the existing profiling system of a small, rural Army hospital and describes the development of a new database. Given that many Army hospitals are struggling with the development of an adequate profiling system, this database may prove useful in developing the groundwork to those facilities.