Using Evaluation Tools To Assess Quality Improvement Efforts - Term Paper Example

Using Evaluation Tools to Assess Quality Improvement Efforts Using Evaluation Tools to Assess Quality Improvement Efforts It is important for healthcare managers or leaders to understand and comprehend the importance of measuring performance and outcomes. This paper describes a balance scorecard as an example of an evaluation tool, the benefits of applying it, and explicates how I could use the results from the evaluation to support the organizations overarching goals for quality improvement. A balanced scorecard is defined by Kaplan and Norton (1992) as "a set of measures that gives top managers a fast but comprehensive view of business and includes financial measures that tell the results of actions already taken" (p. 71). Additionally, Kaplan and Norton (1992) notes that a balanced scorecard makes it possible for leaders to perceive their businesses in different viewpoint including the customers, stakeholders, growth, and financial viewpoint.

In addition, it allows leaders to identify whether they can maintain their endeavors through constantly creating value and also allows them to focus on a range of measures of importance as it does not limit them (Balanced Scorecard Institute, 2015). In relation to reducing clinic wait times therefore, a balanced scorecard allows the healthcare leaders understand the needs of the patients and stakeholders as they are able to envision outcomes from different perspectives. Based on the course project, the overarching goal for quality improvement is to reduce overall clinic wait times A balanced scorecard can help me understand all the processes necessary to achieve improved quality hence enhancing the implementation of quality improvement plans.

Thus, I can use the results from the evaluation to identify areas of weakness that need improvement in a bid to reduce the clinic wait times. In a nutshell, a balanced scorecard is a performance evaluation tool that makes it possible for managers to view their business a range of perspectives particularly the customers, financial, stakeholders, and business development perspectives. ReferencesBalanced Scorecard Institute. (2015). Balanced Scorecard Basics. Retrieved from http://balancedscorecard.

org/Resources/About-the-Balanced-Scorecard Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1992). The balanced scorecard—Measures that drive performance. Harvard Business Review, 70(1), 71–79.