Quality of care indicator performance was minimally changed in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic

Alexander Konson,Olga Bronshtein,Yaron Niv,Hannah Mahalla,Shuli Hanhart,Shaul Dollberg,Nethanel Goldschmidt,Michael Kuniavsky,Shir Peri

doi:10.1186/s13584-022-00516-x

Alexander Konson, Olga Bronshtein + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-022-00516-x

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Abstract

BackgroundIn 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare systems throughout the world, including the management of patients and compliance rates of quality indicators.ObjectiveTo measure the impact in Israel of the COVID-19 pandemic on the indicator-relevant caseload and compliance rates of the quality indicators reported by medical services providers within the Israeli National Program for Quality Indicators (NPQI).MethodsData was collected from the reports made to the NPQI by participating hospitals and medical service providers. The indicator results for the number of cases and compliance rates for 2019 were compared to those from 2020. We assessed and compared the results of the quality indicators in general hospitals, geriatric hospitals and departments, psychiatric hospitals and departments, emergency medical services (EMS), and Mother and Baby health centers.ResultsWe found a decrease in measurable cases in 2020 relative to 2019, especially in geriatric hospitals. In most indicators, compliance rates rose in 2020. Few indicators had lower compliance rates associated with COVID-19 pandemic regulations.Conclusions and policy implicationsRoutine medical activity decreased in Israel in 2020 in comparison to 2019, as reflected by a decrease in cases, but compliance rates were better in most indicators. The results of our study imply that the functioning of healthcare quality measurement programs should not be interrupted during a pandemic. This not only allows measuring of the healthcare system's performance during a crisis, but also may assist in maintaining a high level of healthcare quality.

Highlights

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare systems throughout the world, including the management of patients and compliance rates of quality indicators
Conclusions and policy implications: Routine medical activity decreased in Israel in 2020 in comparison to 2019, as reflected by a decrease in cases, but compliance rates were better in most indicators
Conclusions and policy implications In conclusion, in 2020, we observed a decrease in the caseload relevant to most indicators measured under the Israeli National Program for Quality Indicators program

Summary

Introduction

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare systems throughout the world, including the management of patients and compliance rates of quality indicators. CMS indicated that data collected from the first six months of 2020 would not be used in current hospitalbased performance or payment programs. This step was taken in order to improve the healthcare system’s capacity to focus on preparation for a response to a potential surge of COVID-19 patients. In Israel, by contrast, there was a decision that the National Program for Quality Indicators (NPQI) activity must continue as usual. This decision stemmed from the approach that quality measurement is essential during critical situations no less than during routine healthcare. Despite the difficulties involved in coping with COVID-19 pandemic challenges, the program continued to collect data and provide timely information about how the health system performed during the pandemic

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Discussion

Conclusion