What is the purpose of performance improvement metrics, and how should they be selected?

• A. To measure progress toward goals; select measures that are relevant, actionable, and align with patient outcomes and safety.
• B. To collect as much data as possible without regard to utility.
• C. To track only financial performance.
• D. To satisfy regulatory audits only.

Answer: (A)

Performance improvement metrics exist to show how well efforts move a healthcare system toward its care goals and patient outcomes, and to drive targeted actions that raise quality and safety. The best choice emphasizes selecting measures that are relevant, actionable, and aligned with patient outcomes and safety. When metrics meet these criteria, they provide timely feedback, are controllable by the team, and guide improvement cycles that actually change care. Data collected without utility create noise and distract from real progress; focusing only on financial performance misses the quality and safety dimension; and using metrics merely to satisfy regulatory audits shifts attention away from meaningful improvement. By choosing measures that matter, can be influenced, and link directly to patient outcomes and safety, the organization has a clear, practical path to reducing risk and enhancing care.