Importance of metrics to organizations and nursing practice, and the goals set

Importance of metrics to organizations and nursing practice, and the goals set

The metrics used in the dashboard and scorecard measurements in my healthcare facility have important implications for the organization. First, they are used to measure the importance of the healthcare activities. Second, the metrics are utilized by the organization to establish vital processes that improve patient outcomes. Third, they are essential in the identification of quantifiable outputs of work. Thus, the metrics positively impact nursing practice within healthcare institutions. The goals set by the facility have been met through the application of the dashboard and scorecard metrics. The goals are increased efficiency, improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs, among others.

Provocative issues

The use of dashboards and scorecards is associated with some provocative issues. For example, some healthcare workers could react negatively if the management informs them that they are not performing well, yet they feel that they are doing their best. Also, the management could pressurize workers to improve their performance as a result of poor performance trends. In addition, healthcare providers could collectively react against the use of the measurement methods and systems on the grounds that they do not provide accurate performance measurements.

References

Chan, G. J., Parco, K. B., Sihombing, M. E., Tredwell, S.P., & O’Rourke, E. J. (2010). Improving health services to displaced persons in Aceh, Indonesia: A balanced scorecard. Bulletin of The World Health Organization, 88(9), 709–712.