Question

Define and explain several quality indicators in a hospital setting?"

Answer 1

Quality indicator is a measurable variable used to monitor or assess the quality of care provided in hospital.

Some of the quality indicators in hospital setting are

• Mortality rate:It is a quality indicator of a hospital.Overall death rates in a year may give us arough calculation about the quality of care in the hospital
• Readmission rate:Readmission rates also serves as a good quality indicator. Readmission is defined as admission rate of patient to a hospital setting within 30 days or less from date of discharge.
• Nosocomial infection rate:Nosocomial infections are very harmful which may increase the stay of the patient in the hospital increasing the cost and material usage.If the rate of nosocomial infection goes high may indicate the absence of following handwashing , sterile techniques and cleanliness in hospital.
• Patient experience:The patient is the best quality indicator . The patient satisfaction and perception from the care given in the hospital serves as good indicator.
• Effectiveness of care:The care given in the hospital which decreases readmisiion rates.
• Bed occupancy rate:It is the average number of days a bed is occupied in a hospital is also a indicator of quality care in the hospital
• Timeliness of care:The patient's access to care whenever necessary provides satisfaction to patient and also important for health promotion.

Thus these are some of the quality indicators in hospital.