In addition, the writing group recognizes that there are many issues that might be desirable in performance mea- sures but do not currently meet the high evidence standards (Class I or III recommendations) required for consideration. Quality assessment and performance measure implementation in stroke are still at an early stage, and it is hoped that future advancement of the evidence base for ICH care and broader experience with testing and implementation of performance measures will lead to revisions and expansions with the ulti- mate goal of improving the care of patients with ICH and stroke in general. Appendix Table A1. ICH Performance Measures 1. Baseline Severity Score: Percentage of patients with ICH in whom a baseline severity score is measured and a total score is recorded as part of initial evaluation on arrival at the hospital Numerator Patients in whom an initial severity score is measured and a total score recorded within 6 h of hospital arrival. If an intracranial procedure is performed within 6 h of arrival, the severity score must be measured before this procedure. The ICH score should be used as the baseline severity score. Denominator Included patients: All patients with ICH Excluded patients: <18 y of age Patients who arrive at hospital >48 h after last known well time Length of stay >120 d Clear documentation for comfort care/palliative care measures established before hospital arrival Period of Assessment First 6 h after hospital arrival Sources of Data Prospective flowsheet, retrospective medical record review, electronic medical record Rationale Baseline clinical evaluation is part of the standard care of every patient with ICH. 