title: Evaluating the use of key performance indicators to evidence the patient experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test eight person-centred key performance indicators and the feasibility of an appropriate measurement framework as an approach to evidencing the patient experience.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The value of measuring the quality of patient care is undisputed in the international literature, however, the type of measures that can be used to generate data that is meaningful for practice continues to be debated. This paper offers a different perspective to the 'measurement' of the nursing and midwifery contribution to the patient experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourth generation evaluation was the methodological approach used to evaluate the implementation of the key performance indicators and measurement framework across three participating organisations involving nine practice settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected by repeated use of claims, concerns and issues with staff working across nine participating sites (n = 18) and the senior executives from the three partner organisations (n = 12). Data were collected during the facilitated sessions with stakeholders and analysed in conjunction with the data generated from the measurement framework.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data reveal the inherent value placed on the evidence generated from the implementation of the key performance indicators as reflected in the following themes: measuring what matters; evidencing the patient experience; engaging staff; a focus for improving practice; and articulating and demonstrating the positive contribution of nursing and midwifery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation of the key performance indicators and the measurement framework has been effective in generating evidence that demonstrates the patient experience. The nature of the data generated not only privileges the patient voice but also offers feedback to nurses and midwives that can inform the development of person-centred cultures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of these indicators will produce evidence of patient experience that can be used by nurse and midwives to celebrate and further inform person-centred practice.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, UK.
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: McCance
authors.affiliation: Coronary Care Unit, Mater Hospital, Belfast, UK.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hastings
authors.affiliation: Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland.
authors.forename: Hilda
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dowler
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery; D009773:Obstetric Nursing; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses'; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care
keywords: metrics; midwifery; nursing; patient experience; person-centredness; quality care