title: Measuring quality of care: considering conceptual approaches to quality indicator development and evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this article, we describe one approach for developing and evaluating quality indicators.
  
  
  METHODS
  We focus on describing different conceptual approaches to quality indicator development, review one approach for developing quality indicators, outline how to evaluate quality indicators once developed, and discuss quality indicator maintenance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The key steps for developing quality indicators include specifying a clear goal for the indicators; using methodologies to incorporate evidence, expertise, and patient perspectives; and considering contextual factors and logistics of implementation. The Strategic Framework Board and the National Quality Measure Clearinghouse have developed criteria for evaluating quality indicators that complement traditional psychometric evaluations. Optimal strategies for quality indicator maintenance and dissemination have not been determined, but experiences with clinical guideline maintenance may be informative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For quality indicators to effectively guide quality improvement efforts, they must be developed, evaluated, maintained, and implemented using rigorous evidence-informed practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Critical Care Medicine, Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Teaching Research & Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6; Department of Medicine, Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Teaching Research & Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6; Department of Community Health Sciences, Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Teaching Research & Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4Z6. Electronic address: tstelfox@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Henry T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Stelfox
authors.forename: Sharon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Straus
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards
keywords: Consensus; Health care; Models; Quality indicators; Quality of health care; Reproducibility of results; Theoretical