Abstract
Purpose To propose a methodology for ranking U.S. clinical ophthalmology programs which utilizes
an existing framework of both objective structural (or resource) information and outcome
data as well as subjective reputational scores currently used by U.S. News & World Report for most clinical specialties.
Design Evidence-based manuscript.
Topic The U.S. News & World Report annual “Best Hospital Rankings by Specialty” provides the public with information
regarding the relative strengths of U.S. medical and surgical departments in providing
care and treatments for patients with complex diseases. For most medical and surgical
specialties, these rankings are determined by considering a combination of objective
structural (or resource) information and outcome data along with subjective reputational
scores.
Clinical Relevance In ophthalmology, U.S. News & World Report annual rankings are currently generated only from subjective reputational scores
submitted by a small number of voting ophthalmologists. No objective clinical or outcome
data are considered.
Literature Reviewed Methodology for determining “Best Hospital Rankings by Specialty” utilized by RTI
International on behalf of U.S. News & World Report.
Results The ranking system of U.S. departments of ophthalmology presently employed by U.S. News & World Report presents an incomplete picture of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the departments
listed.
Conclusion With the changes in health insurance that increasingly shift decision-making responsibility
and cost to consumers, providing mechanisms to allow the public to make informed decisions
is an emerging imperative for ophthalmology and other specialties. Revision of the
current “reputation-only” ranking system used for ophthalmology to also include objective
clinical and outcome data would benefit patients by providing more accurate and impartial
information on which to base their eye care decisions.
Keywords
ophthalmology - ranking system -
U.S. News & World Report
