The company's principal activity is the provision of ongoing survey-based performance measurement, analysis and tracking services to the healthcare industry. the company provides performance tracking services, custom research and renewable syndicated services. the company also provides market research services to hospitals and insurance companies on an unsecured credit basis. the company recognizes revenue from its renewable service nrc listening system (performance tracking services). under the performance tracking services, the company provides interim and annual performance tracking to its clients under annual client service contracts. during 2001, the company acquired the healthcare survey business of the picker institute.