Clinical performance indicators: intolerance for variety?

Abstract

Purpose

The performance of NHS UK hospitals is under continuous scrutiny as they are constantly under pressure to perform well. A recent document published by an independent body has recommended a host of clinical indicators to assess non‐financial performance of hospitals. This study aims to critically analyse the performance of a single UK hospital against several of these recommended indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Data presented to the Hospital Trust Board for 12 months were used for this study. Previous years' data were used wherever available.

Findings

Based on data analysis, this hospital's performance is extremely difficult to calculate. The indicators use complex ratios and due to lack of standardisation, the hospital performance could be interpreted as better, worse or indifferent.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyses most of the recommended indicators. Literature review did not reveal a similar analysis of another hospital against these indicators which precludes comparison.

Practical implications

This study highlights the difficulty in comparing the performance of hospitals due to the inherent lack of consistency. Therefore it is apparent that any reward‐rebuke system linked to performance should interpret the data with caution. It is therefore suggested that easy to control single value activities and standardised routine activities could be used to measure hospital performance. Alternatively, the hospital could compare with its own statistics from previous years.

Originality/value

Literature acknowledges the difficulties in measuring clinical performance. This paper elucidates these difficulties applied to the NHS and suggests alternatives.

Citation

Basu, A., Howell, R. and Gopinath, D. (2010), "Clinical performance indicators: intolerance for variety?", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 436-449. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526861011037489