The Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) in an effort to improve the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes, and to assist Nursing Homes with their own internal Quality Improvement programs is encouraging all nursing homes in the nation to participate in Setting Targets Achieving Results (STAR). STAR is a web site that helps nursing homes incorporate the publicly reported quality measure data into their own internal quality improvement efforts. Upon login to the STAR site, a nursing home can view trend reports for four quality measures and then set goals for up to one year (i.e. four quarters). The site focuses on depression, pain, pressure ulcers, and physical restraints.
1. Open a Web browser and go to www.nhqi-star.org
2. Create an account using your Medicare/Medicaid provider number by clicking on 'Create an Account' in the top navigation bar.
3. Once you create an account, enter the requested user name, password, and contact information to complete your facility's profile. Click 'Save' to store your information.
4. Click on 'My Data Comparison' in the left navigation bar to view your facility's QM
trend reports. The trend reports show QM data to a tenth of percent.
5. To browse targets, click 'My Target Setting' in the left navigation bar and select a performance-based or fill-in-the-blank method for target setting. When selecting a target, think about what is achievable. What can your nursing home achieve in a year?
6. Once you've identified an achievable target, enter the target in the blank provided and click 'Submit.' You can track progress towards your targets by revisiting the 'My Data Comparison' page.
The purpose of the STAR site is to help nursing homes use their publicly reported nursing home quality measures to set internal quality improvement goals. To help nursing homes use targets to improve the quality of care provided the site provides information to use the STAR site and helpful materials to guide each nursing home through the process of identifying targeted goals. If you have questions regarding using the site, contact Pauline Kinney @ 516-209-5402.
The STAR site is intended for Nursing Homes internal use only. Targets will NOT be shared with state survey and certification agencies unless the nursing home gives the QIO written permission. CMS will see aggregate targets ( ex. State and national averages) but will not see individual facility data.
To use the STAR site, www.nhqi-star.org, Nursing homes will need computers with internet connections.