Table 4 Suggested key performance indicators for COVID-19 hospitalisation services. A weekly frequency of data collection and review is recommended
From: Considerations for planning COVID-19 treatment services in humanitarian responses
Indicator | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Proportion of days with stock-out of an essential tracer medical item (e.g. oxygen, intravenous fluids, key PPE items) | Indicates robustness of supply chain and consequent quality and safety of care. |
Average bed occupancy | As well as resource utilisation, < 100% occupancy during a period of known intense transmission may suggest barriers to access, including community concerns about the care being offered. |
Proportion of arriving patients who met criteria for admission but were turned away or whose admission was delayed (by clinical status) | Indicates extent to which services meet demand. |
Proportion of cases admitted, by age group and co-morbidity status | May indicate whether specific groups of patients (e.g. the most elderly or women) are not presenting for care: compare with what is expected based on data from the rest of the country or the region. |
Proportion of critical cases among patients admitted | A high proportion of critical cases may indicate a delay in care-seeking. |
Proportion of patients that become critical after admission | Indicates quality of non-invasive respiratory support and associated care. Compare with data from high-income settings. |
Case-fatality ratio among non-critical patients | Indicates quality of non-invasive respiratory support and associated care. Compare with data from high-income settings. |
Case-fatality ratio among critical patients | Indicates quality of invasive respiratory support and associated care. Compare with data from high-income settings. A high case-fatality ratio may also indicate the extent to which ventilation is safe and beneficial. |
Proportion of healthcare workers utilising appropriate PPE, by role | Indicates availability, effectiveness of training, adherence to procedures and understanding of risk. |
Proportion of healthcare workers who become ill with test-confirmed or syndromically diagnosed COVID-19 | Indicates safety of care for healthcare workers. Compare with data from high-income settings. A high risk of illness or death in healthcare workers from COVID-19 could be a criterion for closing the facility. |
Proportion of discharged patients who are happy with the care received | Indicates quality and humanity of care. |