Benchmarking in health care: A review of the literature

Abstract

This paper provides a review of the 10 significant publications related tobenchmarking in health care. The discussion which follows is presented according tofour headings: what the study did, how the study was conducted, what was learntfrom the experience, and what the implications were for health care generally. Thefindings of this review are reassuring in that all studies provided valuable information,in terms of clinical practice and the health care service or the benchmarking process.They highlight the importance of the maintenance of quality health care, thereduction of health care costs and the need for improved efficiency and effectivenessin providing health care.