The percentage of timely antibiotic administration prior to specific surgeries is an example of which kind of performance measure?

The percentage of timely antibiotic administration prior to specific surgeries is classified as a process measure because it focuses on the specific actions taken to ensure patient safety and improve health outcomes during surgical procedures.

Process measures assess the steps or activities undertaken in delivering health care. In this case, timely administration of antibiotics is an essential intervention aimed at preventing surgical site infections. Measuring how often this process occurs allows healthcare organizations to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of their care delivery. This data is critical for identifying areas that may need improvement and for ensuring adherence to clinical guidelines.

Outcome measures, in contrast, evaluate the results of care, such as rates of infection or complications after surgery. Structural measures focus on the attributes of the settings where care is provided, like the availability of resources or facilities. Patient experience measures gauge patients' perceptions and satisfaction with their care journey. Thus, classifying timely antibiotic administration as a process measure aligns with its focus on the specific healthcare interventions provided rather than the results of those interventions or the environment in which they are delivered.