Integrating key performance indicator measurements into the accreditation process using ORYX.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations introduced the ORYX initiative in February 1997 to integrate outcomes and performance measurement into the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations survey process. A survey was mailed to laboratories accredited by the Joint Commission to assess performance measurement system participation, the results of which will be available in the first quarter of 1998. This article discusses the requirements of the initiative as well as some of the problems that have been encountered.