Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What is an example of a utilization rate for monitoring health system performance?

1. Congenital syphilis rate

2. Late stage breast cancer incidence rate

3. Infant mortality rate

4. Readmission rate for depression

The correct answer is: Readmission rate for depression

The readmission rate for depression serves as a valuable example of a utilization rate for monitoring health system performance. Utilization rates typically reflect how effectively health care services are used within the system and can reveal insights into the quality and efficiency of care provided to patients. The readmission rate specifically indicates how often patients are readmitted to a hospital for the same condition within a certain period after discharge. High readmission rates may suggest issues such as inadequate initial treatment, lack of proper follow-up care, or insufficient support services, all of which can highlight areas needing improvement in patient management and the overall health care system. By monitoring this metric, health care administrators and policymakers can assess the effectiveness of treatment protocols and interventions aimed at reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. In contrast, the other options are more aligned with outcome measures rather than utilization measures. For instance, congenital syphilis rate, late-stage breast cancer incidence rate, and infant mortality rate reflect the burden of disease or health outcomes in a population, but they do not directly indicate how health care services are utilized within the system.