Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Which metric would be used to evaluate operational efficiency in a hospital?

1. Cost per discharge

2. Number of readmissions

3. RN salaries

4. Total patient days

The correct answer is: Cost per discharge

The use of cost per discharge as a metric to evaluate operational efficiency in a hospital is particularly relevant because it provides a clear measurement of the resources utilized in treating a patient throughout their hospital stay. This figure reflects the financial implications of patient care and indicates how effectively the hospital operates in relation to the costs incurred for each patient's treatment. Evaluating operational efficiency involves assessing how well resources (such as staff, equipment, and supplies) are utilized to deliver care while minimizing unnecessary costs. Cost per discharge directly ties into this by allowing administrators and managers to identify trends in expenses relative to the number of discharges. A hospital that manages to lower the cost per discharge while maintaining or improving the quality of care is demonstrating enhanced operational efficiency. In contrast, the other metrics listed have their own implications but do not directly evaluate operational efficiency in the same manner. For instance, the number of readmissions may indicate the quality of care but does not inherently address the cost efficiency associated with each discharge. RN salaries, while an important consideration for budgeting, do not provide a comprehensive view of operational efficiency. Total patient days can indicate the volume of care provided but does not correlate directly to the cost management side of operations.