What is an example of a core measure in healthcare quality assessments?

The correct answer is the percentage of heart failure patients who receive discharge instructions, as it exemplifies a core measure used in healthcare quality assessments. Core measures are standardized metrics developed by organizations like The Joint Commission, which focus on specific outcomes that reflect the quality and effectiveness of care. Discharge instructions for heart failure patients are critical because they influence the patient's understanding of their condition and the necessary steps for managing their health post-hospitalization. Proper discharge planning is associated with lower readmission rates and better patient outcomes, making it a vital aspect of quality care.

In contrast, the other options—such as the number of patient complaints, average length of hospital stays, and total cost of care—while informative, do not specifically reflect standardized quality measures tied to clinical outcomes or adherence to best practices in treatment protocols. Instead, they may serve as indicators or performance metrics but do not capture the same level of significance in assessing the quality of care provided to patients in the context of evidence-based practices.