Performance Measures in Surgical Practice

Abstract

January 2008

Section Elements of Contemporary Practice

2 Performance Measures in Surgical Practice

John L. Birkmeyer, M.D., F.A.C.S.
George D. Zuidema Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School

Justin B. Dimick, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School

With the growing recognition that the quality of surgical care varies widely, there is a rising demand for good measures of surgical performance. The demand comes from several different sides, including patients and their families, employers and payers, and clinical leaders. The measures currently in use can be grouped into three main categories: those related to health care structure, those related to process of care, and those directly related to patient outcomes. Although each of these three types of performance measure has its unique strengths, each is also associated with conceptual, methodologic, or practical problems. An overview of the measures commonly used to assess surgical quality is provided, the main strengths and limitations of these measures are considered, and recommendations for selecting the optimal quality measure are offered. This chapter contains 26 references.

WebMD Professional Publishing, P.O. Box 1819, Danbury CT 06813 (800-545-0554 or 203-790-2087)