Quality report cards and nursing home quality

Purpose: This study examined the potential role that publicly disseminated quality report cards can play in improving quality of care in nursing homes. Design and Methods: We review the literature and the experience gained over the last two decades with report cards for hospitals, physicians, and health plans, and consider the issues that are of particular importance in the context of nursing home care. Results: Experience with report cards in other areas of the health care system suggests that nursing home quality reports may have a role to play in informing consumers' choices and providing incentives for quality improvement. Their impact may, however, not be large. Methodological issues that may limit the accuracy of quality indicators and issues related to the design and comprehension of the information by consumers are discussed. Implications: Quality report cards should be viewed as one of several options to ensure higher quality nursing home care.