Core Measures
Core Measures were designed by the Joint Commission to permit more rigorous comparisons of hospitals using standardized, evidenced based measures. The Joint Commission requires accredited hospitals to collect and submit performance data. UTMC submits data on the following measure sets:
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pain Management
- Surgical Infection Prevention
- Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Core Measures
- Emergency Department (ED)
- Immunizations (IMM)
This requirement was established to improve the safety and quality of care and to support performance improvement in hospitals. The Core Measure initiative allows the Joint Commission to review data trends and to work with hospitals as they use the information to improve patient care.
The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC) began submitting data on the Acute Myocardial Infarction and Congestive Heart Failure measure sets in July 2002. These measure sets were chosen by the Performance Improvement Council because of UTMC’s strong commitment to cardiac care. In January 2004, UTMC began submitting data on the Pneumonia measure set. This measure was chosen due to UTMC’s desire to continue to improve in the care provided to the pneumonia patient population.