You’re a healthcare manager. How do you measure success in your organization?

2 Choose your metrics

Once you have your goals, you need to choose the appropriate metrics to track and evaluate them. Metrics are the quantitative or qualitative data that measure your progress and results. You should select metrics that are relevant, reliable, valid, and comparable. You should also consider the balance and diversity of your metrics, covering different dimensions of your organization, such as clinical, operational, financial, and human resources. Some examples of common metrics in healthcare management are patient satisfaction, readmission rates, infection rates, staff turnover, and revenue.

3 Collect and analyze your data

To measure your metrics, you need to collect and analyze your data. You should establish a clear and consistent process for data collection, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of your information. You should also use appropriate tools and methods for data analysis, such as software, dashboards, charts, and statistics. You should look for patterns, trends, and gaps in your data, and compare them with your goals and benchmarks. You should also interpret your data in the context of your organization and environment, considering the factors and influences that affect your performance.

4 Communicate and report your results

To make your data meaningful and useful, you need to communicate and report your results. You should share your findings and insights with your internal and external audiences, such as your staff, patients, partners, and regulators. You should use clear and concise language, visuals, and formats to convey your message. You should also highlight your achievements and challenges, and explain the reasons and implications behind your results. You should also be transparent and honest about your data quality and limitations, and acknowledge any uncertainties or errors.

5 Implement and evaluate your actions

To improve your performance and achieve your goals, you need to implement and evaluate your actions. You should use your data to inform your decisions and actions, and prioritize the areas that need improvement or change. You should also involve your stakeholders and collaborators in the planning and execution of your actions, and seek their feedback and input. You should also monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of your actions, and adjust them as needed. You should also celebrate and reward your successes, and learn from your failures.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?