Benefit

The criterion benefit evaluates two different aspects: First, the actual use (utilization) of indicator results for decision making processes, and second the benefit in the context of health care quality through utilization. The first aspect overlaps partly with the criterion “importance of the quality characteristic captured by the quality indicator for the patients and the health care system” within the sub criterion “high public interest, especially from the patients”.

Definition
The application of this quality indicator can influence the quality of care positively:

• The information from the indicator is used for decision making by patients, the insured, consumers, physicians, health insurances and other interest groups.
• Through use of the indicator (e.g. Structured Dialogue, benchmarking, quality management activities) quality improvements are observed or expected.

Core Statement
The following statement is assessed: “The application of this quality indicator can positively influence the quality of care.”

Information Base for the Assessment
In evaluating the core statement as much relevant information as possible should be compiled. Sources of information include for example: data from performance measurement activities (e.g. performance measurement of BQS), in particular from the Structured Dialogue and from inquiries of hospitals as well as national and international publications. Furthermore, the evaluators can contribute from their areas of expertise (e.g. quality circles, self-help organizations, scientific associations, pay-for-performance).

Assessment Process
After all evaluators have acknowledged and understood the information base, they assess the core statement.

A detailed process description can be found in Appendix 1.

Assessment Stages
1 = does not apply
2 = rather does not apply
3 = rather applies
4 = applies
Abstention