Identification and assessment of quantitative metrics for measuring emergency healthcare facility project performance in China

Purpose When facing major emergencies, emergency healthcare facilities (EHFs) are vital in mitigating the medical pressures of traditional hospitals by providing immediate and flexible healthcare services. Performance measurement of EHF projects is crucial to ensuring that emergency medical services can respond effectively and efficiently to health demands. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the appropriate performance metrics that can measure the performance of these projects. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying and assessing the quantitative metrics (QMs) for measuring the performance of EHF projects throughout their lifecycle, with a focus on their application in China. Design/methodology/approach A four-stage multi-criteria decision-making framework was employed to carry out this study. Initially, preliminary QMs for EHF projects were identified through in-depth expert interviews in China. Three rounds of Delphi surveys and statistical analysis were then conducted in China to determine the QMs most appropriate for EHF projects. Lastly, the priority of the shortlisted QMs was evaluated using the C-OWA (Combination Ordered Weighted Averaging) operator, considering three evaluation dimensions: importance, data availability, and overall suitability. Findings Twenty QMs that are most appropriate for measuring the performance of EHF projects in China are identified. Among these QMs, “schedule deviation”, “deconstruction casualty rate”, “engineering quality qualification rate”, “cost deviation”, “schedule efficiency”, and “bed density”, are deemed as the top six QMs in the overall suitability. In the overall ranking of top metrics, those related to scheduling are prominently positioned, highlighting the time-sensitivity of EHFs. Originality/value This study provides a framework for measuring emergency healthcare facility project performance, thereby addressing the theoretical void in the fields of performance measurement and emergency management. It also enables healthcare administrators, emergency management staff, and project managers to quantitatively measure the performance of EHF projects, facilitating the rapid deployment and provision of effective emergency medical care under major crises.