What does the term "benchmarking" refer to in QI?

The term "benchmarking" in Quality Improvement (QI) refers to the process of comparing an organization’s performance metrics against best practices or established standards within the industry. This practice enables organizations to evaluate their performance relative to their peers or leading entities, thereby identifying gaps in their processes and performance. By understanding where they stand in relation to others, organizations can adopt effective strategies and practices that lead to improved outcomes. The focus of benchmarking is not solely on internal data but rather on external comparisons that foster learning and innovation. This approach promotes a culture of continuous improvement, as organizations aim to reach or exceed the performance levels achieved by the best in their field.