16 Essential KPIs for Post-Acute Healthcare Facilities to Track

1/17/2025 - By Jennifer Ziolkowski, MBA, CLSSYB & Kelly Smith, PhD, CPHQ, CLSSBB

Post-acute care facilities face unique challenges in delivering quality care while managing costs and improving patient outcomes. They must navigate complex regulations, address diverse patient needs, and adapt to changing reimbursement models.

Providers like these deal with long-term patient relationships, complex care needs, and focus on improving functional status and quality of life. They also face strict regulatory oversight and value-based reimbursement models that link payments to outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Effective KPI tracking is crucial for post-acute care facilities to succeed. This article outlines important KPIs that post-acute care facilities should track.

Choosing the Right KPIs for Your Post-Acute Care Facilities

When selecting KPIs for post-acute care facilities, it's important to consider established frameworks such as the Baldrige Excellence Framework, which offers a comprehensive approach to performance excellence in healthcare. Additionally, these KPIs should support Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, which are essential for ongoing quality enhancement in post-acute care settings.

With these foundations in mind, let's explore how different types of post-acute care facilities may prioritize various KPIs.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), for example, typically prioritize long-term care quality and rehabilitation outcomes. Their KPIs often reflect the complex medical needs of patients and the ongoing nature of care provided. Home Health Agencies, in contrast, tend to focus on metrics that measure care efficiency and effectiveness in patients' homes, aligning with their goal of supporting patient independence.

On the other hand, inpatient rehabilitation facilities might concentrate on KPIs that demonstrate functional improvement and successful community transitions, reflecting their intensive, short-term approach to care.

Despite these differences, certain KPIs remain universally important across all post-acute settings, including patient satisfaction, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.

The key to effective KPI management in post-acute care is selecting a balanced set of metrics that reflect each facility's specific goals and challenges while aligning with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This tailored approach allows organizations to track performance more effectively, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately provide better patient care.

As we explore specific KPI categories in the following sections, consider how these metrics may apply differently across various post-acute care settings, allowing for a more nuanced and effective approach to performance management.

Healthcare Outcomes KPIs

Healthcare outcomes are critical indicators of the quality of care provided in healthcare facilities. These KPIs directly impact patient health, safety, and well-being. Moreover, they often influence regulatory compliance, reimbursement rates, and the facility's reputation.

Tracking these metrics allows facilities to identify areas for improvement, demonstrate the effectiveness of their care practices, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Examples of healthcare outcome KPIs are:

1. Pressure Ulcer Prevalence

This KPI tracks the percentage of patients with pressure ulcers (bedsores). It's a key indicator of care quality and patient mobility. High rates of pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, increased pain for patients, and higher care costs. To improve this metric:

Implement regular repositioning schedules
Use pressure-relieving devices
Ensure proper nutrition and hydration for patients

2. Fall Rate

This KPI measures the frequency of falls within the facility. Falls pose a significant risk to patients and can lead to serious injuries or complications.

Fall rates are typically measured per 1,000 patient days. Here's how to calculate it: (Number of falls / Number of patient days) x 1,000.

To improve this metric:

Conduct regular environmental assessments
Implement exercise programs to improve balance
Review medication side effects that may contribute to fall risk

3. Infection Rate

This KPI tracks the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections within the facility. Infections can significantly impact patient health and are often preventable with proper protocols.

Like falls rate, infection rates are also calculated per 1,000 patient days. Here's how to calculate it: (Number of healthcare-associated infections / Number of patient days) x 1,000.

To improve this metric:

Emphasize hand hygiene protocols

Ensure proper cleaning and disinfection protocols
Implement antibiotic stewardship programs

Customer Measures KPIs

In post-acute care settings, customer satisfaction directly impacts referrals, reputation, and overall success. Tracking these metrics helps organizations identify areas for improvement and enhance patient experience. Examples of customer-related KPIs include:

4. Satisfaction Surveys

Regularly conduct surveys to gather feedback from patients and families. This provides direct insight into perceived care quality and areas for improvement. To optimize tracking and trending conduct quarterly surveys and calculate the average satisfaction score on a scale of 1-10.

To improve this metric:

Act on feedback promptly
Communicate improvements made based on survey results
Train staff oncustomer service best practices

5. Willingness to Recommend

This metric specifically focuses on whether patients or families would recommend your facility, reflecting the perceived quality of care your organization provides. To track it, calculate the percentage of survey respondents who answer "Yes" to "Would you recommend this facility?"

To improve this metric:

Ensure high-quality care across all departments
Foster positive relationships with patients and families
Address concerns promptly and effectively

Workforce Measures KPIs

A stable, engaged workforce is essential for delivering quality care in healthcare facilities. These KPIs help monitor and improve workforce management, which directly impacts care quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance.

By tracking these metrics, organizations can ensure they have the right staffing levels, maintain employee satisfaction, and provide necessary training to deliver optimal patient care. Examples of workforce-related metrics include:

6. Employee Retention Rate

This measures the percentage of employees who remain with the organization over a specific period. High turnover can disrupt care continuity and increase costs.

Here's how to calculate it: (Number of employees who stayed for the entire period / Number of employees at the start of the period) x 100.

To improve this metric:

Create a positive culture and work environment
Offer competitive benefits
Provide opportunities for professional growth

7. Overtime Hours Rate

This tracks the amount of overtime worked by staff. High overtime can indicate staffing issues and impact both employee satisfaction and care quality.

Here's how to calculate it: (Total overtime hours / Total hours worked) x 100.

To improve this metric:

Analyze staffing patterns
Implement efficient scheduling practices
Create pool of flex staff

8. Staff Competency

This monitors the percentage of staff who successfully complete required competency assessments, ensuring up-to-date knowledge on best practices and regulatory requirements.

Here's how to calculate it: (Number of employees who completed competency assessments / Total number of employees required to complete competency assessments) x 100.

To improve this metric:

Offer diverse learning formats
Provide protected time for training
Link completion to performance evaluations

9. Employee Engagement/Satisfaction

Measure staff satisfaction and engagement through surveys, at least annually. High engagement often leads to better patient outcomes and lower turnover. To optimally track and trend employee engagement/satisfaction, conduct quarterly surveys and calculate the average engagement score on a scale of 1-10. To improve this metric:

Act on employee feedback
Recognize and reward high performers
Provide opportunities for career advancement

These expanded sections provide more context, calculation methods, and improvement strategies for each KPI, addressing the previous lack of depth in the customer and workforce sections.

Leadership and Governance KPIs

Effective leadership and governance are crucial for post-acute care facilities to navigate regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of care. These KPIs help monitor compliance, management effectiveness, and strategic goal achievement. Examples of leadership and governance KPIs include:

10. Regulatory Compliance

Track deficiency citations from regulatory bodies. This KPI indicates how well the facility adheres to standards and regulations.

Here's how to track it: Count the number of deficiency citations received during inspections or audits over a specific period.

To improve this metric:

Conduct regular internal audits
Provide ongoing staff education on regulations
Address deficiencies promptly

11. Administrator Performance Metrics

Develop and monitor specific performance metrics for administrators, such as financial targets, quality improvement initiatives, or staff development goals.

Here's how to track it: Create a scorecard with specific, measurable goals for administrators and track progress towards these goals.

To improve this metric:

Set clear, measurable goals aligned with organizational objectives
Provide regular feedback and support
Offer professional development opportunities

12. Patient Complaints and Grievances

Monitor the number and nature of customer complaints or grievances. This KPI can highlight areas needing improvement and impact overall customer satisfaction.

Here's how to track it: Count the number of formal complaints or grievances filed over a specific period.

To improve this metric:

Implement a robust complaint resolution process
Analyze complaint trends to identify root causes
Use feedback to drive process improvements

13. Board Engagement

Assess the level of engagement and effectiveness of the governing board.

To track this KPI, measure board meeting attendance, participation in committees, and completion of required training or education.

To improve this metric:

Provide regular updates and education to board members
Encourage active participation in committees and decision-making processes
Conduct annual board self-assessments

By monitoring these Leadership and Governance KPIs, healthcare facilities can ensure they're maintaining high standards of management, meeting regulatory requirements, and effectively steering the organization towards its strategic goals.

Financial, Marketplace, and Strategy Implementation KPIs

Financial health, market position, and strategic execution are critical for the long-term success of post-acute care facilities. These KPIs help organizations monitor their financial performance, assess their competitive standing, and track progress towards strategic goals. Examples of financial, marketplace, and strategic implementation KPIs include:

14. Operating Margin

This KPI measures the profitability of the facility's core operations. It's crucial for understanding financial sustainability and efficiency.

Here's how to calculate it: (Operating Income / Net Patient Revenue) x 100.

To improve this metric:

Optimize staffing levels and scheduling
Implement cost-control measures
Enhance revenue cycle management

15. Days Cash on Hand

This metric indicates the facility's liquidity and ability to cover operating expenses. It's essential for financial stability and planning.

Here's how to calculate it: (Cash and Cash Equivalents / [(Annual Operating Expenses - Depreciation) / 365]).

To improve this metric:

Improve accounts receivable collection processes
Negotiate better payment terms with vendors
Implement cash management strategies

16. Strategic Goal Achievement

This metric tracks progress towards key strategic objectives, such as expanding service lines or improving quality ratings.

Here's how to track it: Create a scorecard that tracks milestones and objectives from the strategic plan, assigning percentage completion to each goal.

To improve this metric:

Clearly communicate strategic goals throughout the organization
Regularly review and adjust strategies as needed
Align departmental goals with overall strategic objectives

By regularly tracking these KPIs, post-acute care facilities can make informed decisions about resource allocation, strategic initiatives, and financial management, ultimately supporting their mission to provide high-quality care while maintaining financial sustainability.

Track KPIs to Measure Progress in Healthcare Quality Improvements

For post-acute care providers, KPIs serve as vital tools to navigate unique challenges such as long-term patient relationships, complex care needs, and evolving reimbursement models. Effective KPI tracking allows organizations to make data-driven decisions, enhance care quality, streamline operations, and maintain financial sustainability. As the post-acute care sector continues to evolve, staying ahead through strategic KPI management is crucial for delivering high-quality care and ensuring long-term success.

Saltmarsh’s Healthcare Consulting team can help you assess your current performance and establish a robust KPI tracking system tailored to your needs and your desired improvements. To learn more about how we can support your healthcare quality improvement initiatives, contact us today.