ACP calls for streamlined, evidence-based performance measures to improve patient care

A new ACP position paper urges a unified approach to performance measurement, focusing on core clinical topics and evidence-based measures that can improve patient care while reducing physician burnout.

The paper, “Identifying Core Clinical Topics and Recommending Core Performance Measures for Internal Medicine Physicians,” was published Sept. 16 by Annals of Internal Medicine. It outlines a structured approach to identifying clinical conditions most relevant to internal medicine and the performance measures most likely to benefit patients. The framework was applied to high-quality guidelines for osteoporosis and depression to demonstrate how meaningful measures can drive better outcomes.

The paper also emphasizes that performance measures should focus on high-priority populations and conditions, align with patient needs, and improve the physician experience. ACP warns that excessive measures not tied to evidence or outcomes increase administrative work, fuel physician burnout, and risk worsening workforce shortages.