• Anne Reiter, Max Geraedts, Wilfried Jäckel, Burkhard Fischer, Christof Veit, and Klaus Döbler.
• BQS Institut für Qualität und Patientensicherheit, Düsseldorf, Germany.
• Z Evid Fortbild Qual Gesundhwes. 2011 Jan 1;105(1):44-8.

ObjectivesThis paper introduces the QUALIFY instrument as an indicator assessment method used to select quality indicators suitable for public disclosure in Germany.MethodsFifty-five hospital quality indicators previously approved in routine use were systematically tested for suitability in public disclosure. A multi-disciplinary expert team including patient representatives used the QUALIFY instrument to assess the methodological quality of these indicators in detailed respect to their purpose. The team applied 14 of the 20 QUALIFY criteria to each indicator, the minimum acceptance level for public reporting was determined in advance.ResultsThirty one indicators from eleven clinical conditions fulfilled all fourteen methodological criteria required for national reporting. They include eleven outcome and twenty process indicators.ConclusionsQUALIFY proved to be a useful tool for selecting quality indicators suitable for public disclosure and thus contributes substantially to proper information on German hospital quality. It ensures high transparency in a very sensitive context to all stakeholders.

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