Development of Performance Measure Indicators in Hospital Nursing Units

Kang, Kyeong Hwa; Kim, In Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop performance measure indicators for hospital nursing units based on a Balanced Scorecard (BSC). METHOD: This study was a methodological study. The development process consisted of 3 stages. The first stage was setting up strategies for nursing units from a nursing department's mission and vision. The second stage was developing performance measure indicators after a validity check. The third stage was modifying developed performance measure indicators and classifying them. RESULTS: 7 strategies were set up according to 4 perspectives of a BSC. 15 performance measure indicators for hospital nursing units were developed, and the indicators were divided into 8 independent indicators and 7 shared indicators according to the degree of performance responsibility. In addition, they were classified into two groups, 7 leading indicators and lagging indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study suggests that performance measure indicators for hospital nursing units provide a framework and method for nursing organizations' performance management. Also, the developed indicators are expected to provide valuable information for successful organization management.