Introduced in February 1997, the Joint Commission's ORYX® initiative integrates outcomes and other performance measurement data into the accreditation process. It is intended to be a flexible and affordable approach for supporting quality improvement efforts in Joint Commission accredited organizations and for increasing the value of accreditation.
A planned component of the ORYX initiative is the identification and use of standardized performance, or "core," measures. The Joint Commission's principal intent is to identify, rather than develop, sound measures that support both the objectives of the ORYX initiative and organizational process improvement. Over time, core measure data will be used by the Joint Commission to assist in focusing on-site survey evaluation activities. Sets of core performance measures for each accreditation program will be identified in a staggered approach. In July 2002, hospitals began collecting core measure data on four initial core measurement areas: acute myocardial infarction; heart failure; community-acquired pneumonia; and pregnancy and related conditions. In July 2004, hospitals will begin collecting core measure data on an additional core measurement area: surgical infection prevention. The Joint Commission is actively developing new measure sets that address ICU care, pain management and inpatient pediatric asthma. These measure sets are expected to become available incrementally over the next 24 months. A date has yet to be set for the final implementation of core measures for the behavioral health care field.
ORYX requirements for behavioral health care
As of Oct. 21, 2002, organizations accredited under the Comprehensive Manual for Behavioral Health Care are no longer required to report ORYX measurement data to the Joint Commission. The reporting of data for these organizations is deferred until applicable core measures are identified. However, all accredited behavioral health care organizations (those with and without 24-hour services) are expected to continue meeting standards-based requirements for performance measurement, and to present relevant performance data and actions taken in response to these data during the onsite survey. Accredited behavioral health care organizations that wish to continue to report measurement data to the Joint Commission may continue to do so through a Joint Commission-listed performance measurement system. The deferment of ORYX data reporting acknowledges the slow pace at which national consensus is being reached on appropriate performance measures for non-hospital behavioral health care settings.
For more information
For more information about ORYX options for behavioral health care organizations, contact Frank Zibrat, associate director, at (630) 792-5992 or fzibrat@jointcommission.org. For more information about ORYX, call your account representative at (630) 792-3007 or the ORYX Information Line at (630) 792-5085, or visit the Joint Commission's website. You can also submit questions via e-mail to oryx@jointcommission.org. Other fact sheets are available on the following related topics:
For copies, visit www.jointcommission.org or call the Department of Communications at (630) 792-5631.