Elevate Healthcare Quality | Best 30 Healthcare KPIs

Over the past decade, significant legislative and business model changes have occurred in the healthcare industry in the United States and around the world. In response, healthcare providers are now evaluating new key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure whether they meet the required standards.

At Brickclay, we understand the significance of these KPIs in healthcare. We have curated a list of the top 30 healthcare KPIs, which empower organizational leadership to guide healthcare institutions in delivering quality care.

Importance of Tracking Healthcare KPIs

Understanding healthcare KPIs is the first step toward providing excellent care. These indicators allow healthcare professionals to monitor expansion and identify service weaknesses. These metrics also help define service standards and enable healthcare professionals to benchmark their service level.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, healthcare organizations that effectively track and manage KPIs experience an average of 25% higher patient satisfaction scores compared to those that do not monitor these metrics.

Monitoring these KPIs can help with cost control, strategic expansion of practice, and improvement in patient care outcomes. With this information, medical centers can better allocate their personnel and resources. 

The Top 30 Healthcare KPIs

Let’s look at the top 30 KPIs healthcare firms should track. These key quality performance indicators include a wide range of healthcare-related topics, such as patient experience, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Each KPI contributes to the overall experience of the healthcare service.

Patient Experience KPIs

Patient Satisfaction Index

The Patient Satisfaction Index is a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s opinion about their healthcare provider. The Patient Satisfaction Index tracks interpersonal relationships, treatment, as well as the environment. Patient questionnaires are the standard method of evaluation. This metric contributes to the long-term service success by boosting repeat business from satisfied customers and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Net Promoter Score (NPS)

The Net Promoter Score calculates the percentage of satisfied patients who would recommend the medical center to others. Data for this indicator comes from a single question: “How likely are you to recommend our facility to a friend or family member?” A high Net Promoter Score (NPS) indicates dedicated patients will likely spread the word about your business.

Patient Engagement Rate

The Patient Engagement Rate assesses the level of patients’ involvement in their healthcare. This measures the percentage of patients actively participating in their care.

HCAHPS Score

The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) score is a standardized survey to assess patients’ experiences and satisfaction with hospital care. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average HCAHPS score for hospitals in the United States is around 72-73%, reflecting patient satisfaction levels. It covers topics such as communication with doctors, pain management, and the hospital environment. It can help improve healthcare quality by measuring patients’ happiness with the treatment.

Clinical Outcome KPIs

Mortality Rate

The percentage of patients who do not make it through treatment, operation, or hospitalization is the Mortality Rate. In the United States, the age-adjusted death rate was 746.4 deaths per 100,000 population (National Center for Health Statistics). It reflects the standard of treatment offered by the hospital and determines how efficient and successful healthcare interventions are.

Readmission Rate

The Readmission Rate measures the percentage of patients readmitted to the hospital within a specified period after their initial discharge. A high rate of readmission is an indicator of subpar treatment. Poor care quality and a lack of patient understanding contribute to high readmission rates.

Average Length of Stay

The Average Length of Stay measures the days, on average, a patient remains in the hospital following their treatment for a medical issue. Inpatient hospital stays in the United States had an average length of 5.4 days (Statista). Short hospital stays typically lead to higher patient satisfaction, reduced expenditures, and better resource usage.

Complication Rate

The Complication Rate measures the percentage of patients who experience complications during their treatment or hospital stay. A low complication rate indicates safer, higher-quality care.

Operational Efficiency KPIs

Bed Occupancy Rate

The Bed Occupancy Rate is the percentage of occupied hospital beds at any time. It helps hospitals maximize patient throughput and minimize unused bed space. Both resource distribution and the flow of patients are impacted.

Staff-to-Patient Ratio

The Staff-to-Patient Ratio evaluates the number of medical professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.) available to treat patients. It’s crucial for maintaining high standards of care and patient well-being. Adequate personnel levels are essential for maintaining patient safety and care quality at all times.

Operating Room Utilization

The Operating Room Utilization measures the percentage of operating rooms usage. It measures the utilization of resources and how streamlined surgical services are. Maximizing operating room utilization increases productivity and availability of surgical care.

Patient Wait Time

Patient Wait Time quantifies the duration of a patient’s wait before their scheduled procedure, test, or appointment. Shorter wait times are a top priority as they improve patient satisfaction and productivity. Patient satisfaction and productivity both increase with shorter wait times.

Financial Health KPIs

Revenue per Patient

Revenue per Patient measures how much money a healthcare provider makes from each patient. The average revenue per patient day for U.S. hospitals was $2,418 (Statista). It is necessary for long-term fiscal health and the efficient use of available resources. Financial viability and service standards improve when revenue per patient is optimized.

Cost per Case

Cost per Case is a metric used to analyze how much a healthcare provider spends on typical cases of a given medical condition or operation. It’s a sign of prudent spending and productivity. Reducing care costs allows for better utilization of resources and boosts the bottom line.

Operating Margin

The Operating Margin metric measures the percentage of revenue retained as net income. To maintain profitability, a company must keep its operating margin positive. A strong margin is essential for sustaining growth and long-term success.

Accounts Receivable Turnover

The Accounts Receivable Turnover is a metric used to evaluate how quickly and accurately a business receives client payments. Cash flow and fiscal management are reflected. A higher turnover rate is associated with increased cash flow and financial security.

Compliance and Safety KPIs

Medical Errors Rate

The percentage of patients suffering preventable harm due to medical care is reported as the Medical Errors Rate. Errors in medical treatment can take many forms, including those involving medication, surgery, and other areas of practice. Care quality and patient safety benefit from a reduced prevalence of medical errors. 

Compliance with Regulatory Standards

The healthcare facility’s compliance with regulatory requirements demonstrates that it follows all applicable laws and policies. This Key Performance Indicator guarantees that the facility operates according to all applicable laws and standards. Maintaining credibility and avoiding legal trouble are also benefits of ensuring compliance.

Infection Rate

The percentage of patients contracting infections while in the hospital is reported by the Infection Rate. This key performance indicator helps ensure that hospitals maintain high levels of cleanliness and safety. Reducing infections increases patient safety and satisfaction.

Medication Error Rate

Medication errors, such as inappropriate dosing or administration, can have a significant impact on patients, and this is what the Medication Error Rate tracks. Trust and patient safety depend on this key performance indicator. Medication errors must be reduced to improve patient safety and confidence.

Staff Performance KPIs

Employee Turnover Rate

Employee turnover measures how many healthcare workers (such as nurses, doctors, and administrators) leave a company annually. Problems with staffing and turnover can have an impact on patient treatment. As employee turnover rates decrease, institutional knowledge is preserved, and recruitment expenses are cut.

Staff Training and Certification

Healthcare providers, such as nurses and other medical professionals, must be evaluated to see if they have the proper training and qualifications. This key performance indicator ensures professional and high-standard care to patients. Care quality and patient safety are guaranteed with a well-trained workforce.

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio

The nurse-to-patient ratio measures the availability of registered nurses in relation to the number of patients. Nurse staffing levels must be sufficient to ensure the health and well-being of all patients. Nursing staffing levels directly affect the quality and safety of patient care.

Physician Satisfaction Index

Doctors’ levels of contentment in their workplace are gauged using the Physician Satisfaction Index. Improved patient care and lower turnover rates are two outcomes of physician satisfaction. Physicians who are happy in their jobs are more likely to stay with the company and deliver high-quality care.

Technology and Innovation KPIs

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Utilization

As a metric, Electronic Health Record (EHR) Utilization quantifies the extent to which EHRs are used to manage patients’ medical records and data. This key performance indicator is critical for enhancing information management, healthcare quality, and decision-making.  As of 2023, 59% of non-federal acute care hospitals in the United States had a certified EHR system (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology). Care delivery is streamlined, patient safety is increased, and data-driven decisions are supported when EHRs are used effectively.

Telemedicine Utilization

Telemedicine utilization measures the share of patient visits handled remotely. It exemplifies the facility’s use of technology to increase patient participation and access to healthcare. The global telemedicine market is expected to reach $185.66 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 37.1% from 2021 to 2026 (MarketsandMarkets). Access to care is expanded, especially in outlying locations, and patient participation is boosted thanks to telemedicine.

Innovation Investment

Innovation Investment measures the percentage of the healthcare budget allocated for research and development of new technologies. This key performance indicator shows the facility’s dedication to remaining technologically competitive and responsive to patients’ changing requirements. Allocating resources to innovation helps hospitals stay technologically competitive and adaptable to the needs of their patients.

Data Security and Privacy Compliance

Compliance with data security and privacy standards protects patients’ personal information from theft and keeps their faith in the healthcare system intact. Compliance with data security and privacy standards helps avoid breaches, maintain patients’ trust, and meet legal requirements.

These 30 KPIs for Healthcare span several areas of healthcare administration, guaranteeing quality care delivery alongside effective resource management and strict adherence to all applicable regulations. Tracking these key performance indicators will remain critical for healthcare providers in 2024 and beyond.

How can Brickclay Help Deliver Quality Care?

Brickclay partners with healthcare organizations and their leadership teams to help them deliver exceptional care through effective use of healthcare KPIs.

We empower healthcare leaders with advanced data integration, customized KPI dashboards, and analytical solutions that enhance patient outcomes, streamline operations, ensure compliance, and foster innovation. By collaborating with Brickclay, you can build a more efficient, effective, and patient-centered healthcare system that consistently exceeds expectations.

Contact us today to embark on your journey to excellence in healthcare.