The javascript used on this site for creative design effects is not supported by your browser. Please note that this will not affect access to the content on this web site.
Skip Navigation
H H S Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Information Technology and Quality
Improvement

A-Z Index  |  Questions?  |  Order Publications  |  HRSA Mobile

How do we create benchmarks?

Benchmarking involves comparing aspects of an organization's processes and outcomes to the industry standards or best practice recommendations.  The benchmarks chosen should be a standard set of relevant measures that apply across a particular context.  Benchmarking is currently being used more in the inpatient setting for funding and accreditation purposes. 

In developing benchmarks for rural hospitals, the process should include items that every hospital should be doing well.  Choosing appropriate measures allows for comparisons to be made among rural hospitals.  For example, the measures should be relevant to both CAHs with less than 25 beds and rural hospitals with 50-99 beds, though they may differ significantly in terms of context and services.  Initiatives are currently underway to develop more appropriate benchmarks for the rural inpatient setting. 

Resources: 

Developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a resource for health centers and other safety net and ambulatory care providers who are seeking to implement health IT.
About
Health Information Technology Toolboxes help health centers, safety net providers, and ambulatory care providers with electronic and online resources and technical assistance to improve patient care.  More>
Stay Informed

Register for the HealthIT and Quality Improvement eNewsletter

Comments?
E-mail the HealthIT e-mail box: healthit@hrsa.gov