The Health Department actively uses performance data to improve the health of Harford County Residents. Performance management encompasses the ongoing process of measuring, monitoring, and reporting of progress toward strategic organization, division, and program goals and objectives. Performance management is closely linked with quality improvement (QI), as it provides a structured, data-driven approach to identifying and prioritizing opportunities for improvement. However, performance management is distinct from quality improvement. Performance management is the continuous use of four components: performance standards, performance measures, reporting of progress, and quality improvement. The measures seen below link to our 2019 Community Health Improvement Plan (data can be found below), the 2019-2024 Harford County Health Department Strategic Plan, 2018 Harford County Health Department Workforce Development Plan, and 2019-2024 Quality Improvement Plan.
The performance scorecards measure our efforts. Scorecards display county-wide population data and program performance measures that support transparent and accountable government. They are built according to Results Based Accountability and together provide decision-makers with a consistent way to use data to manage performance. This work is overseen by the Population Health and Quality Improvement Division at the health department along with the Bureau Directors and Program Managers. Population health status accountability and strategic planning set direction and identify outcomes.
Results Based Accountability (RBA) uses a data-driven, decision-making process to help communities and organizations get beyond talking about problems to taking action to solve problems. It is a simple, common sense framework that everyone can understand. RBA starts with ends and works backward, towards means. The “end” or difference you are trying to make looks slightly different if you are working on a broad community level or are focusing on your specific program or organization.
Below are the Harford County Health Department’s Performance Management Data:
Scorecard key
