What are key performance indicators (KPIs) in healthcare?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) in healthcare are metrics used to evaluate and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. They provide measurable values that demonstrate how effectively a healthcare organization is achieving its objectives. By tracking these indicators, healthcare providers can assess various aspects of their operations, such as patient outcomes, efficiency of services, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of care.

KPIs enable organizations to identify areas that need improvement, assess their progress towards strategic goals, and make informed decisions based on data. These indicators are critical for organizational accountability and help in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within healthcare settings.

While reports for regulatory compliance, targets for patient satisfaction, and standards for treatment procedures are essential elements of a healthcare organization's function, they do not encompass the wider role that KPIs play in holistic performance evaluation and improvement. KPIs serve as a broader framework within which these other components can be assessed and aligned with the overall goals of the organization.