Surgical measurement framework: A new framework for quality care in surgical specialties

There is little question that measuring and following surgical outcomes is necessary to guide improvement. However, measurement alone does not drive improvement and improvement efforts in surgical specialties are often hampered by the lack of a conceptual framework to translate outcomes into improvement. We propose a surgical measurement framework that provides a systematic, longitudinal approach for identifying key steps and processes in the management of surgical conditions. Application of this framework will facilitate standardization of processes of care as well as measures of care with the goal of achieving ideal outcomes for specific surgical conditions.