Which type of performance measure would monitors of central line dressings focus on?

• A. Structural
• B. Process
• C. Outcome
• D. Balancing

Answer: (B)

Process measures focus on how care is delivered—the specific actions and steps clinicians take. When monitors assess central line dressings, they’re examining whether the dressing changes are performed according to protocol: timing, aseptic technique, use of appropriate antiseptic (like chlorhexidine), sterile field maintenance, proper glove use, and correct dressing application. These elements are about the actual care process itself, not the end result or the system in place.

This differs from outcome measures, which would look at the results, such as whether a patient develops a bloodstream infection. Structural measures would assess the resources and conditions that support care—availability of dressing supplies, staff training, and equipment. Balancing measures would check for unintended consequences of changes, like increased skin irritation or higher costs, to ensure the change doesn’t cause new problems.

So central line dressing monitoring is best viewed as a process measure because it evaluates whether the established steps of the dressing change are carried out correctly.