Increasing Nursing Productivity Through Benchmarking Data
Benchmarking is a management criterion by which the operations and performance metrics of a given organization are measured and compared using pre-determined standards and guidelines and data from other similar firms. The concept is relatively new in the healthcare industry, but more and more healthcare organizations are beginning to adopt and recognize this valuable tool. Initially, it was used to compare performance to identify disparities. The concept later expanded, and today it involves the analysis of the processes and other factors that are associated with better practices.
There are two types of benchmarking in nursing: internal and external benchmarking. Internal benchmarking measures focus on the quality of services in different areas within the same organization, while external benchmarking compares the performance between two or more organizations. However, the main goal of both types is to collect, measure, and analyze data, and taking the required course of action.
In nursing, benchmarking is used to gain insight on critical issues in various areas of nursing and make necessary changes. It is the process of developing the highest standards quality by consistently comparing the quality of healthcare services of one institution to those of best-performing institutions. One notable and vital feature of benchmarking is that it can be employed in all areas of nursing, including primary and acute care, pain management, health promotion, among other specialties in nursing.
Benchmarking data is primarily used to measure performance and identify gaps in nursing. It is a type of quality assessment policy that uses active collaboration between the nursing department of different organizations to create a healthy competitive environment and increase productivity by improving efficiency, quality of care, patient safety, and satisfaction.
Through benchmarking, a nursing team can internally evaluate their performance and identify gaps in their areas that may need improvement. By sharing the benchmarking data, different teams can identify and replicate best practices to improve performance. Organizations that have already adopted the benchmarking policy can identify their strengths and weaknesses and initiate appropriate improvement plans.
Benchmarking is a collaborative policy, which means that its success is reliant on teamwork. Different nursing teams must be willing to share their benchmark data and allow room for changes. Maximizing productivity in nursing must start with measuring productivity and then comparing the data against your performance and with others to drive improvements. Learning from others and sharing tips on what may have worked well for them can go a long way in increasing productivity in nursing.
