Designing productivity indicators in healthcare department: A case of pediatric orthopedics

Abstract

Objective: To define productivity indicators in healthcare department which reflect department functioning and enable productivity measurements over years. Methods: A combination of two methodologies, the Seven Steps of Determining Productivity Indices and the Objectives Matrix Method, was applied at the Department for Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica" in Belgrade in order to determine and analyze productivity indicators during the period from 2005 to 2010. Results: Based on Departments' measurable inputs and outputs, productivity indicators were defined, divided in three categories: department, surgeons and nurses. By observing single indicators in Objectives Matrix, the score increased for average length of hospital days which shortened over the observed six years. The relationship between the number of surgeries and the number of working hours in the operating theater increased, as well as the indicators of the productivity of nurses. Productivity indicators of the Department regarding ambulatory working hours were constant in case of ultrasound exams, while those regarding emergency and consultative exams were decreased. Conclusion: Although the methods of the Seven Steps of Determining Productivity Indices and Objectives Matrix have been developed for the needs of industrial organizations, the paper shows that their application is possible in healthcare services as well. Productivity follow-up using indicators and total weighted score during years, enables healthcare managers to analyze low-productivity fields where improvements are needed.