Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

In Donabedian's framework, what type of indicator is the percentage of enrollees receiving follow-up care after depression treatment?

1. Structure

2. Process

3. Outcome

4. System

The correct answer is: Process

In Donabedian's framework for assessing the quality of healthcare, the classification of indicators into structure, process, and outcome is essential for understanding various aspects of healthcare delivery. The percentage of enrollees receiving follow-up care after depression treatment is categorized as a process indicator because it measures the actions taken to provide care to patients—specifically, the follow-up activities that occur after initial treatment. Process indicators reflect how care is delivered and focus on the methods and procedures implemented in healthcare settings. They emphasize the activities, interventions, and treatment protocols that are expected to lead to positive health outcomes. In this case, the follow-up care is a crucial part of managing depression treatment as it ensures that patients receive ongoing support and assessment, which can significantly enhance their recovery journey. While outcome indicators would measure the end results of healthcare, such as changes in a patient’s mental health status after treatment, process indicators like the percentage of enrollees receiving follow-up care provide insight into how well the healthcare system is managing and tracking the treatment of depression. Structure indicators would focus more on the attributes of the healthcare system, such as facilities, staffing, and resources available for care delivery. This distinction between these categories helps healthcare providers and evaluators assess performance, identify areas for improvement