| Primary Author: | Michael S. Wei, PhD |
| Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: | N/A |
| Organization: | American Institutes for Research |
Abstract
Purpose
This abstract discusses the development and implementation of a performance dashboard that logically displays key quality metrics and helps stakeholders readily interpret status and progress towards improvement goals.
Background
Innovations in care delivery are tracked and evaluated using various performance measures. The magnitude and complexity of the measurements can make it difficult for users to discern main information and trends for decision-making. This presents a challenge to target efforts of continuous improvement and dissemination of results.
Materials & Methods
Lean and Six Sigma quality improvement techniques, database management, and statistical tools were aligned to create the dashboard. Cognitive science and Gestalt Theory of Visual Perception (Proximity, Similarity, Continuation, and Completeness) (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) were applied as the framing principles of the infographic architecture. User feedback was solicited and summarized from stakeholder meeting minutes and quarterly assessment surveys.
Results
Analysis of the user feedback identified the most-valued attributes of the infographics as follows: A) Single-page graphic that represents key measures from every quality domain. Information synthesized by logical categories facilitates the understanding of the performance landscape. B) Visual comparison of individual organizations to peers and national benchmarks for reported performance measures. C) Ability to quickly detect areas of challenges and successes across participating organizations. D) Establishing correlations among the measures and trends of the same measure over time helps recognize and formulate best practices. E) Actionable information suggests root-cause analysis, gap analysis and other activities to further address quality improvement endeavors.
Conclusion
Applying quality improvement methods and fine visual design in infographics was highly valued by different stakeholders. Appropriate graphic presentations tell the story beneath the data and create prospective solutions to critical issues. A comprehensive infographic dashboard guides the care quality improvement redesign and best practices dissemination, which are shared with other participants within and across care quality improvement initiatives.
Bibliography
- Infographics. (2012, February ). Retrieved May 2014, from International Society for Technology in Educatio: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ982831.pdf
- J Crofts, J. M. (2014). Adaptation and implementation of local maternity dashboards in a Zimbabwean hospital to drive clinical improvement. Bull World Health Organ, 146–152.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, E. M. (n.d.). Gestalt Theory of Visual Perception. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~kbroom/Lectures/gestalt.htm
- Mol, L. (2011). The Potential Role for Infographics in Science Communication. Amsterdam: University of Amsterdam.
© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012
The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).