Training Course on Elevating Standards: Benchmarking Healthcare Service Delivery Training Course

Module 1: Foundations of Benchmarking in Healthcare
Learning Objectives:
Define benchmarking and understand its role in healthcare improvement.
Distinguish types of benchmarking and their applications in health systems.
Subtopics:
Definition and principles of benchmarking
Internal vs. external benchmarking in healthcare
Strategic importance of benchmarking in service delivery improvement
Ethical and regulatory considerations in benchmarking
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Benchmarking cancer care services in Europe
Exercise: Mapping current benchmarking practices in participants’ institutions

Module 2: Benchmarking Frameworks, Models, and Indicators
Learning Objectives:
Select appropriate models and frameworks for benchmarking.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to healthcare services.
Subtopics:
Benchmarking frameworks: Balanced Scorecard, EFQM Excellence Model, Donabedian’s model
Designing KPIs: quality, efficiency, safety, patient satisfaction, equity
Sources of benchmarking data (national databases, WHO, OECD, registries)
Standardization of indicators across healthcare systems
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: OECD health indicators and cross-country benchmarking
Practical: Developing a benchmarking dashboard for a hospital unit

Module 3: Designing and Implementing a Benchmarking Project
Learning Objectives:
Plan and execute a healthcare benchmarking initiative.
Apply structured methodologies to collect and analyze benchmarking data.
Subtopics:
Steps of a benchmarking project (planning, data collection, analysis, adaptation, monitoring)
Selecting benchmarking partners and comparators
Tools for data gathering and performance measurement
Challenges and limitations in benchmarking projects
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Benchmarking length of stay in surgical wards
Practical: Designing a benchmarking project plan in small groups

Module 4: Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Action Planning
Learning Objectives:
Analyze benchmarking data to identify performance gaps.
Translate benchmarking results into actionable improvement strategies.
Subtopics:
Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods
Identifying best practices and learning from high performers
Communicating results to stakeholders through visual reports
Developing action plans to close performance gaps
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Benchmarking emergency department wait times
Practical: Group exercise on interpreting benchmarking data sets

Module 5: Sustaining Benchmarking and Driving Continuous Improvement
Learning Objectives:
Institutionalize benchmarking as a continuous improvement strategy.
Build a culture of excellence in healthcare organizations.
Subtopics:
Leadership and governance for benchmarking in healthcare
Engaging staff and fostering buy-in for benchmarking initiatives
Scaling up successful practices across systems
Future of benchmarking: digital tools, big data, and AI
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Sustained benchmarking in Magnet-recognized hospitals
Capstone Project: Developing a benchmarking strategy for participants’ healthcare organizations