The Comparative Outcome Profile, COP, is a key component to managing performance improvement data collection, reporting, and analysis. The COP has met the criteria for inclusion in the accreditation process and is included on The Joint Commission’s list of acceptable vendors. IHA is committed to meeting future criteria established by The Joint Commission. The COP program currently includes all of the national hospital quality measures plus over 30 additional indicators developed with the advice of quality improvement and infection control professionals from Indiana hospitals.

Data Collection Made Easy
Data collection is done through an easy to use on-line entry program that allows for both manual entry and electronic import of data. Participants receive initial training and on-going education through conferences, Webinars, newsletters, and e-mail alerts. COP users enjoy quick, easy access to knowledgeable staff.

Reporting Data to Meet Accreditation, Payment Update Requirements
This affordable database program allows hospitals to quickly and accurately meet reporting requirements for Joint Commission accreditation and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services payment updates. IHA also transmits data to other organizations as requested by hospitals. IHA is committed to assisting hospitals to meet current and future Joint Commission and CMS requirements in the important process of reporting hospitals quality of care.

Analysis and Comparison
The Comparative Outcome Profile benefits hospitals by answering the question, “How do we compare?” Each hospital receives reports that display their individual measurement rates along with aggregate comparison data. Comparisons are made to similar hospitals based on geographic location, bed size, case mix and peer group. National comparisons are included for the national quality measures. The Visicop graphing program within COP allows hospitals to create various graphs to meet their specific needs. Visicop includes peer group comparisons, flagpole reports, control charts, and comparison charts. It offers flexibility in selecting comparison groups and time frames for display.

The reports can:

• provide focus to quality assessment or assurance activities;
• open communications with the medical staff and assist in practice pattern analysis;
• give governing boards benchmarks on patient care outcomes; and
• pave the way for dialogue with payers and patients requesting information on the quality of care.