Glossary

A narrative guideline is a text-based representation of the practice guideline. A narrative guideline typically includes guideline recommendations and additional explanatory text.

A needs assessment is aimed at delineating differences between the current state and the ideal state, followed by determining why these gaps exist and identifying solutions to address them.

The null performance rate is when all of the denominator eligible instances are attributed to all denominator exceptions. Therefore, the performance rate for satisfactory reporting would be 0/0 (null).

The numerator is the upper portion of a fraction used to calculate a rate, proportion, or ratio. Also called the measure focus, it is the target process, condition, event, or outcome. Numerator criteria are the processes or outcomes expected for each patient, procedure, or other unit of measurement defined in the denominator. A numerator statement describes the action that satisfies the conditions of the quality measure.

A numerator exclusion defines an instance measured entities should not include in the numerator data. Use numerator exclusions only in ratio and proportion measures.