Countywide : ‘A Hospital’s I.Q.’ Book Compares 36 Facilities

A handbook comparing the services of 36 Orange County hospitals, published by the Orange County Health Planning Council, will be presented at a national health planning conference in Washington later this month.

The book, “A Hospital’s I.Q.: Indicators of Quality,” lists such information as numbers of board-certified physicians at each facility, how much time nurses spend with patients and special services available.

The first of its kind, the handbook was published to provide information to consumers, insurance companies and employers choosing health plans. The indicators, compiled by a team representing health care, business, labor and insurance, were chosen to go beyond normal hospital accreditation requirements.

Rick Badger, Orange County Health Planning Council executive director, and Dr. Francis Mackey, former council president, will present the handbook to the American Health Planning Assn., meeting June 24 through 26, to illustrate new ways to measure local health services.

The book addresses hospital staff, administration, finances, supplementary services and patient satisfaction.

Although the handbooks are a little technical, the public can buy them for $6 each--plus $3 if ordered by mail, from the council, 202 Fashion Lane, Suite 219, Tustin, Calif. 92680.