NAHQ CPHQ Practice Exam

To reduce post-surgical infection rates effectively, a performance improvement team should refer to

1. National benchmarks

2. Rates among individual surgeons

3. Antibiotic use post-surgery

4. Infection rates in similar facilities

The correct answer is: National benchmarks

A performance improvement team should refer to national benchmarks in order to effectively reduce post-surgical infection rates. This is because national benchmarks provide a standard or reference point for comparison, allowing the team to see how their facility's infection rates compare to others across the country. This can help identify areas of improvement and best practices to implement. Options B, C, and D may also be considered, but they do not provide a broad enough perspective. Rates among individual surgeons may not accurately represent the facility as a whole and may be biased. Antibiotic use post-surgery is important, but it is just one aspect of preventing infections and may not address other factors contributing to infection rates. Infection rates in similar facilities may offer some insight, but it may not account for regional or cultural differences that could impact infection rates. Therefore, referring to national benchmarks is the most effective approach.