Designing a Report Card for Nursing Facilities: What Information Is Needed and Why

• Published in: The Gerontologist Vol. 43; no. suppl-2; pp. 47 - 57
• Main Authors: Harrington, Charlene, O'Meara, Janis, Kitchener, Martin, Simon, Lisa Payne, Schnelle, John F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 01-04-2003
• Subjects: Information; Information Dissemination; Nursing homes; Nursing Homes - economics; Nursing Homes - standards; Ownership; United States; United States
• ISSN: 0016-9013; 1758-5341
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/43.suppl_2.47

Purpose:This article presents a rationale and conceptual framework for making comprehensive consumer information about nursing facilities available. Such information can meet the needs of various stakeholder groups, including consumers, family/friends, health professionals, providers, advocates, ombudsman, payers, and policy makers.Design and Methods:The rationale and framework are based on a research literature review of key quality indicators for nursing facilities.Results:The findings show six key areas for information: (a) facility characteristics and ownership; (b) resident characteristics; (c) staffing indicators; (d) clinical quality indicators; (e) deficiencies, complaints, and enforcement actions; and (f) financial indicators. This information can assist in selecting, monitoring, and contracting with nursing facilities.Implications:Model information systems can be designed using existing public information, but the information needs to be enhanced with improved data.