News: Self-reported quality data can prove unreliable

A recent study from the University of Michigan concluded that the Leapfrog Group’s Safe Practice Score (SPS) produces different result than those used by CMS’ Hospital Compare to track common complications and readmissions, HeathLeaders Media reported.

The study found that Leapfrog’s findings “skew toward positive self-reporting,” according to the study published in the journal Medical Care. Part of the issue, the researchers suggest, comes from facilities self-reporting data more likely to earn higher scores.

The Leapfrog Group responded to the findings saying that they go to extreme lengths to prevent facilities playing the system. Additionally, Leapfrog conceded that there are different ways to measure quality and that they did not expect the findings to “correlate 100%” with other methods, according to HealthLeaders Media.

According to a survey conducted by Public Agenda, one in five patients comparison-shop for their healthcare, FierceHealthcare reported. With these numbers, the need for complete and accurate publicly reported data becomes more pressing.

As it stands right now, however, the accessible data can be inconsistent and carry the risk of incorrectness.