The measurement of the percent of time a comprehensive exam is completed within 96 hours of admission is an example of a process measure. Process measures evaluate the methods or steps taken to deliver healthcare.
They focus on the actions performed to achieve desired outcomes and are a way to assess whether specific processes are being followed correctly to ensure quality care.
* Understanding Process Measures: Process measures indicate what the healthcare providers do to maintain or improve health, such as the rate of compliance with a clinical guideline or the frequency of performing a certain procedure within a specific timeframe.
* Relevance to the Scenario: In this case, measuring the completion of a comprehensive exam within 96 hours of admission assesses whether a critical step in the patient care process is being consistently executed, reflecting adherence to best practices.
* Comparison to Other Measure Types:
* A. Structure measures refer to the attributes of the settings in which care is provided, such as facilities, equipment, and staff.
* B. Outcome measures assess the results of healthcare services, such as improvement in patient health status.
* D. System measures could encompass broader aspects of healthcare delivery but are not specifically focused on individual care processes.
References: National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) documentation highlights the importance of process measures in monitoring compliance with established procedures and ensuring the delivery of high- quality care.
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