Measuring Quality
The Quality Measurement Framework provides a structure for aligning the wide range of measurement that goes on across the NHS in Scotland for different purposes, describing how measurement helps to drive progress towards our Quality Ambitions and providing us with the ability to demonstrate improvement both locally and nationally.
The three levels described by the framework provide a simplified structure for thinking about the intended use of sets of indicators. In summary:
Level 1 - Quality Outcome Indicators
The Quality Outcome Indicators (QOIs) are used for national reporting on longer term progress towards the Quality Ambitions and the Quality Outcomes. These are intended as indicators of quality, and will not have associated targets. It is expected that most Quality Outcome Indicators will be disaggregated geographically, and by equality groups, where possible, and appropriate.
Level 2 - HEAT Targets
Level 2 contains the HEAT targets, which describe the specific and short term priority areas for targeted action in support of the Quality Outcomes. These will be further aligned with the Quality Ambitions over time.
Level 3
Level 3 contains all other indicators/measures required for quality improvement and performance management and reporting, either by national programmes or locally.