In This Issue

Commentary

VA's Performance Measurement Makeover
by Michael J. Kussman, M.D., M.S., MACP, Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration

...it is critical we assess our performance in delivering patient care by collecting data on broad and comprehensive measures covering the core areas of care we provide. We have turned a key corner in measurement with the development, this year, of both a comprehensive set of Health Systems Indicators and an ECF plan that is a subset of Health Systems Indicators.

Response to Commentary

The Role of Health Services Research in Performance Measurement
by Paul W. Shekelle, M.D., Ph.D., VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

...Dr. Kussman's article explains what the next generation of that performance measurement system will be, and how it relates to the Executive Career Field plan. This new initiative offers many exciting opportunities for health services researchers interested in quality measurement and improvement.

Research Highlights

Providing Optimal Care Is Complex— And So Is Measuring It
by Rodney A. Hayward, M.D., HSR&D Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Performance measurement is a powerful policy tool for promoting efficient high quality care. However, it is often underestimated just how harmful performance measures can be when they are poorly constructed....

Building a Better VA Performance Measurement System
by Steven M. Asch, M.D., M.P.H., HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

Why measure quality of care? The answer to this question might seem obvious, but in thinking about how we can build a better quality measurement system, we must first clarify the purpose of this sometimes labor intensive activity....

Performance Measurement: Technical Aspects
by Timothy P. Hofer, M.D., Ms.C., HSR&D Center for Practice Management and Outcomes Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

...briefly review some general concepts related to the technical aspects of performance measurement that managers should be aware of in creating and using performance measurement systems.

Profile

VA's Performance Management Work Group
by Tammy Czarnecki, M.S.O.L., M.S.N., R.N., Clinical Quality Program Specialist, Office of Quality and Performance

...Dr. Kussman points out in his lead commentary, the VA's performance measurement system—with over 100 performance measures in the areas of access, satisfaction, cost, and quality—has served VA well.

Announcements

Mark your Calendars!

HSR&D's National Meeting is scheduled for February 13-15, 2008 at the Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore, MD....

The HSR&D Cyber Seminar Program, A Great Educational Resource

The HSR&D Cyber Seminar Program continues to grow with new courses being added monthly...

Introducing FORUM's new look!

FORUM is a newsletter of VA's Health Services Research & Development Service...