Data Measurement & Public Reporting

Measurement helps providers to identify opportunities for improvement, to track the progress of their changes, and to compare their performance against others. Reporting allows for data transparency that is critical for health care providers to benchmark themselves, as well as for consumers to make informed decisions about their health care options.

Data measurement

Stratis Health provides a comprehensive approach to measuring and evaluating performance. From designing and managing research projects, to consulting, to providing technical services, Stratis Health helps organizations understand their current performance and compare that performance to the best practices of their peers, all with the goal of enabling data-driven improvement.

We help health care organizations clearly define the questions that need to be answered, develop scientifically and statistically-sound practical plans for assessment, and select or develop appropriate measurement tools to gather data. With the data methodologies in place, we can conduct and manage the collection, data entry, and processing. With valid and reliable data, Stratis Health plans and executes statistical analyses and provides critical insight in the interpretation and integration of results.

Data & Measurement 101. Learn how to effectively utilize data and measurements for successful improvement efforts; discover key measurement principles; and apply suggestions and tips on how to effectively use data as part of your care improvement efforts. (53-minute recorded Webinar, 2005)

Data & Measurement 102. Better utilize results published in medical reports and journals by learning about statistical significance, using confidence intervals and p-values; describe at a high level the associations between variables, examples of correlation, simple regression, and 2-by-2 tables; explain the importance of collecting data over time using run charts and/or control charts; and explain the distinction between "statistical significance" and "practical significance." Presented by Trista Johnson, PhD, formerly Allina Hospitals and Clinics Director of Patient Safety, Healthcare Improvement Resources and Quality Measurement and Analysis. (69-minute recorded Webinar, 11/28/06)

Setting targets

Setting targets is one way to ensure you are continually striving to improve the quality of care for your patients. Identifying areas for improvement and setting measurable goals are the first steps towards implementing a plan or vision for your organization. Setting a target alone will not lead to improved clinical outcomes, but targets can increase awareness about specific topics and help your organization focus resources on specific clinical topic areas. Targets can also motivate your staff to raise the bar for quality.

Examining trends and setting targets can help you identify problem areas and prioritize quality improvement activities in your organization. Stratis Health can help you assess where to focus your limited time to make measurable impact on your quality measures.

More on target setting for nursing homes and home health agencies >

Public reporting

Stratis Health works to promote transparency and reporting of quality data to the public. Recent advances in data transparency, including increased adoption of health information technology and mandatory participation in state and federal data collection initiatives, have led to a growing number of public information resources. Startis Health has supported these efforts through collaborations with Minnesota providers, facilities and community partners as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

As part of the Adverse Health Events Reporting Initiative, we assess the root cause analyses and corrective action plans submitted by hospitals (and required by law). Adverse events are shared in an annual public report through the Minnesota Department of Health.

We are continually expanding the Minnesota Hospital Quality Partnership, founded by Stratis Health and the Minnesota
Hospital Association, and its comprehensive hospital specific quality reporting tool for consumers in Minnesota. Information is shared publicly through the Minnesota Hospital Quality Report a Web site with information by hospitals on quality of care and patients' experiences.

We support Minnesota hospitals in building their data collection capabilities. Our Hospital Data Reporting and Submission work with hospitals through our role as Minnesota's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization consists of two major data-related activities: Reporting Hospital Quality Data for Annual Payment Update (RHQDAPU) and Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA). We support Minnesota hospitals by assessing data collection capabilities by providing education, resources, technical assistance and tools, and serving as a liaison in the validation appeal process.

Stratis Health annually reviews and shares the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) State Snapshots that provide information on the quality of health care in our state and nationally. 2007 overview

We also share information with consumers about the various tools available for understanding health care quality and comparing providers.

Contact Stratis Health for assistance with your quality improvement and patient safety needs.

If your organization has would like to understand and effectively utilize data and measurements to make quality improvements, contact us to discuss how we can help. More about our Data & Analytic Services.

Mary Lou Haider, vice president, contract management and internal quality
952-853-8536