Guidelines on developing of Key Performance Indicators and Minimum Data Sets to monitor healthcare quality

What are Key Performance Indicators?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measures of performance that are used by organisations to measure how well they are performing against targets or expectations. KPIs measure performance by showing trends to demonstrate that improvements are being made over time.

KPIs also measure performance by comparing results against standards or other similar organisations. This helps organisations to improve the service they provide by identifying where performance is at the desired level and also to identify where improvements are required. An example of a Key Performance Indicator used in healthcare is the number of patients that are waiting for more than six hours in the emergency department for admission to a hospital bed.

What are Minimum Data Sets?

Minimum Data Sets (MDSs) outline the data required for a specific purpose. The Minimum Data Set for a KPI will outline what data needs to be collected and will provide a definition for each piece of data so that it is collected consistently by everyone.

Why are guidelines for the development of Key Performance Indicators and Minimum Data Sets important?

It is important that there is good quality information available on the performance of health and social care services to support decision-making. For Key Performance Indicators to support decision-making, it is important that the performance information they provide is valid and reliable and truly reflects performance.

What is being done?

The Health Information and Quality Authority have developed a set of guidance for the development of Key Performance Indicators and Minimum Data Sets based on an extensive review of evidence-based literature.

They identify important factors to consider when measuring performance and also identify important components of Key Performance Indicators. This will support the development of KPIs that can accurately measure performance and contribute to improved performance.