Data Quality: What is Bed Utilization?

Definition & Importance

Bed utilization is the proportion of beds that are filled by a client on any given day. Bed (and unit) utilization information can inform system planning and demonstrate where more resources are needed to serve more people. It is also an effective way to evaluate the accuracy of HMIS data, as abnormal utilization numbers may indicate issues with data entry issues with exiting clients in a timely manner will result in over-utilization and issues with entering clients into the project in a timely manner will result in under-utilization.

Standard

Between 65% and 105% Utilization Standard: Organizations are expected to have an 65-105% bed utilization rate for all lodging project types.

There can be reasons why a bed utilization rate may be below 65% or above 105%. Low/High rates should be reviewed because they can point to data quality problems.

Bed utilization rates for below 65% can be the result of:

•  Not all clients participating in the project have been entered into HMIS and will make it appear that the project is underutilized and should be fixed.
•  The project was genuinely under-utilized. Add a note to clarify any reasons why a project was under-utilized.

Bed utilization rates above 105% may be the result of:

•  Clients have not been exited when leaving the project and this should be fixed.
•  Overflow beds may have been used sporadically throughout the year to accommodate high-demand. Add a note to clarify any use of overflow bed.
•  Project served more people than beds available. Add a note to clarify any reasons for high bed use.
• The number of reported beds available was less than the number of beds available. Add a note so that the bed inventory can be updated.

Additional Resources

AKHMIS Data Quality Plan

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