How does the Joint Commission suggest healthcare organizations measure improvement?

The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of using established benchmarks as a way to measure improvement in healthcare organizations. Established benchmarks provide a standard by which the performance of an organization can be compared against peer organizations or industry standards. This method allows for objective assessment of quality and effectiveness, enabling healthcare providers to identify areas where they are performing well and areas that may need additional focus or improvement.

Utilizing benchmarks is crucial as it fosters accountability and encourages a culture of continuous improvement. Organizations can assess their performance trends over time, compare results across similar entities, and implement evidence-based practices that have already shown positive outcomes. This aligns with the Joint Commission's mission to enhance the quality of care delivered to patients.

Other options do not align with rigorous improvement strategies. For instance, anecdotal evidence lacks reliability and may not accurately reflect performance trends. Relying on individual manager discretion can lead to inconsistencies and subjective evaluations, while using outdated metrics may fail to capture current challenges and advancements in healthcare.