The project will result in improved patterns of care and resulting outcomes by sharing and applying information about successful home health care practices. OBQI is based on valid, quantifiable data.
Outcomes are measures of changes in patient health status between two points in time.
By comparing patient status at these two points, patient outcomes can be calculated. The calculations include analyzing and aggregating differences over set periods of time. Results are then benchmarked on an agency- level basis against an established reference group or agency data from previous time periods. HHAs can improve their patients' return to their highest levels of functionality as soon as possible and they can best use their resources in the climate of prospective payments. With OBQI, HHAs have a quality improvement tool that can be instrumental in improving not only their treatment methods, but their bottom line as well.