What are dQMs?
CMS’s draft definition for digital quality measures (dQMs) is: quality measures, organized as self-contained measure specifications and code packages, that use one or more sources of health information that is captured and can be transmitted electronically via interoperable systems. Data sources for dQMs may include administrative systems, electronically submitted clinical assessment data, case management systems, electronic health records, laboratory systems, prescription drug monitoring programs, instruments (for example, medical devices and wearable devices), patient portals or applications (for example, for collection of patient-generated data such as a home blood pressure monitor, or patient-reported health data), health information exchanges, or registries, and other sources.
How do dQMs contribute to a learning health system?
Digital measurement is one component of a learning health system. In a learning health system, standardized and interoperable digital data from a single point of collection support multiple use cases, including quality measurement, quality improvement efforts, clinical decision support, research, and public health. Data used for quality measurement, as well as other use cases, should be a seamless outgrowth of data generation from routine clinical and administrative workflows. This approach supports data analysis, rapid-cycle feedback, and quality measurement that are aligned for continuous improvement in patient-centered care.
