Health System Performance Measurement in a Circumpolar Context: Selecting Performance Indicators for Maternity Care

• Main Author: Rich, Rebecca
• Other Authors: Murphy, Kellie E, Health Policy, Management and Evaluation
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: arctic; circumpolar; indicator; indigenous; maternity care; performance measurement; 0769; Arctic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/75966

Performance measurement is a necessary component of a transparent health system. In circumpolar regions, indicators that align with national strategies may fail to address priorities of northern, remote, or Indigenous populations. The objective of this study was to select contextually appropriate performance indicators for maternity care in circumpolar regions. A scoping review of the academic and grey literatures generated a working list of indicators. Fourteen circumpolar maternity care experts then participated in a two-round modified Delphi consensus process. Eleven indicators met criteria for importance, circumpolar relevance, validity, and reliability. Twenty-nine additional indicators were identified for further consideration. This study demonstrated that while most circumpolar maternity care systems engage in performance reporting, current indicators do not always reflect local priorities. This study was effective in identifying contextually appropriate indicators. Future work should ensure that circumpolar performance indicators capture issues related to social determinants of health, travel for care, and cultural competency. M.Sc.