BENCHMARKING - FINDING WAYS TO IMPROVE

Background: This article provides health care organizations with a ben chmarking methodology to use in comparing practices and processes to i dentify opportunities for improvement. The 15-step model can be used t o guide internal and external benchmarking activities in a variety of health care settings. Examples: Two internal benchmarking case studies are illustrated: (1) one hospital used the Baxter model to evaluate i ts laparoscopic cholecystectomy services, and (2) another prepared for expansion of cardiac catheterization services. Conclusions: Two key f actors of a successful benchmarking initiative are highlighted: manage ment commitment and involvement, and the need to understand internal p ractices and processes before benchmarking.