*TS: The Keys to Excellence: The 2015 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® Hospitals (PDF/QV) [REF: JCSC, PI] The Source, January 2016, Vol 14, #1, Pg 2 JCs1601_B2

The announcement of TJC Top Performers for 2015 was made last month in Perspectives and we congratulated several of our members. This article provides more detail on the selection parameters. The key factor is achieving at least 95% on each applicable accountability measure.  It also in part explains the 5.5% decrease in number of awardees on the basis of an increase from 44 to 49 accountability measures.  Two of the new measure sets were substance use and tobacco treatment. An inpatient psychiatric service set also transitioned from test measure to full accountability measure. In addition, the article indicates some of the challenges in meeting accountability measures.  In listing the 5 most problematic measures for hospitals between 2010 and 2014, it should be noted that ‘Continuing care plan created, for age 65 and above’ from the inpatient psychiatric services set led the list. In addition a table on page 9 of the ’10 Most-Missed Accountability Measures in 2014′, included two Inpatient Psychiatry Sets with composite performance rates of only 56.0% (HBIPS 5/Justification for multiple antipsychotic medications…) and 86.3% (HBIPS7/Continuing care plan transmitted…).
Tip: Consult the Core Measure Solution Exchange (on JC Connect) for TJC_reviewed/approved solutions to help improve your composite performance rates on challenging measures.