Measure development is a complex process and includes the following high-level steps:

  • Conceptualization: Ideas for measures are narrowed down to specific measure constructs. An environmental scan and literature review is conducted to identify relevant guidelines and quality of supporting evidence, variation in care, gaps in measurement, and competing or related measures.
  • Development: A Technical Expert Panel (TEP) convenes to identify the measure population, the recommended practice, and the expected outcome, and specifies how these are to be measured.
  • Testing: Feasibility, reliability, and validity testing are conducted to assess the suitability of the quality measure’s technical specifications and acquire empirical evidence to help assess the strengths and weaknesses of a measure. Through both proven and novel qualitative and quantitative measure testing methodologies, ASCO tests measures for feasibility and scientific acceptability. We prioritize early and frequent testing throughout the measure development process.

    Measure testing demonstrates that:

    • Measures capture the intended data
    • There is no significant difference in the way measures are being captured for each data source
    • Providers and consumers can be confident in measures and measure results
    • Measures can be implemented with a reasonable amount of effort
    • Measure results provide information about the quality and value of care

    Key measure testing considerations are:

    • Data sources
    • Data availability
    • Data accuracy
    • Data reliability & validity
    • Required sample sizes
    • Test site availability​
  • Implementation: Where appropriate, ASCO seeks consensus-based entity (CBE) endorsement for our measures by engaging with the Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM). Moreover, ASCO’s measures are used in a variety of quality improvement programs, each having unique requirements. Before a measure is presented for adoption into a program, the applicability of the measure to that program is carefully considered.

    Programs Utilizing ASCO Measures

  • Use, Continuing Evaluation, and Maintenance: To ensure the measure’s continuing value and sound construction, ASCO performs timely evaluations of its utilization and regular measure maintenance.

Measure Licensing

ASCO measures are copyrighted, and commercial uses of the measures require a license agreement between the user and ASCO. Commercial use is defined as the sale, license, or distribution of the measures for commercial gain, or incorporation of the measure into a product or service that is sold, licensed, or distributed for commercial gain. If your organization is interested in licensing ASCO measures, please contact us.