Designing a report card for nursing facilities: What information is needed and why

Purpose: This article presents a rationale and conceptual framework for making comprehensive consumer information about nursing facilities available. Such information can meet the needs of various stakeholder groups, including consumers, family/friends, health professionals, providers, advocates, ombudsman, payers, and policy makers. Design and Methods: The rationale and framework are based on a research literature review of key quality indicators for nursing facilities. Results: The findings show six key areas for information: (a) facility characteristics and ownership; (b) resident characteristics; (c) staffing indicators; (d) clinical quality indicators; (e) deficiencies, complaints, and enforcement actions; and (f) financial indicators. This information can assist in selecting, monitoring, and contracting with nursing facilities. Implications: Model information systems can be designed using existing public information, but the information needs to be enhanced with improved data.