What do balancing measures assess in a quality improvement initiative?

Balancing measures are crucial in quality improvement initiatives because they help to ensure that the changes made to improve one area do not inadvertently create new problems in another area. These measures are designed to monitor the potential unintended consequences of improvements. For example, if a healthcare team implements a new protocol to reduce patient wait times, a balancing measure might assess whether this change negatively impacts the quality of care or patient satisfaction. By identifying any adverse effects that arise as a result of the changes, organizations can take corrective actions to maintain overall system performance and improve patient outcomes. Balancing measures complement primary outcome measures by providing a more holistic view of the effects of quality improvement efforts.