Introduction: Management of complex systems is facilitated through effective
information systems that provide real-time data to decision makers. For example,
instrument panels in airplanes ensure that pilots have well-designed feedback
concerning the status of mission-critical variables. Problem: While pilots have
dashboards for feedback and communication, healthcare executives may be
unaware of effective use of evidence-based guidelines within their healthcare
system. Purpose: The first objective of this research was to design and implement
an automated intranet dashboard reporting performance measures for a
geographically dispersed health system. The second objective was to describe how
this dashboard might increase cooperation and coordination for individuals and
organizations involved with healthcare delivery. Design: This research was
exploratory in nature, employing descriptive research approaches. A convenience
sample of healthcare executives completed a baseline survey at the start of the
study assessing levels of communication and cooperation. After three months of
exposure to the dashboard, participants were asked to complete a follow-up
survey. All visits to the dashboard were recorded in a web server log file.
Semistructured qualitative exit interviews were also conducted to explore reactions
to the dashboard, experiences with receiving outcome reports, and barriers to
communicating and coordinating with counterparts. Results: Descriptive analysis
of paired survey scores found substantial increases on a number of survey items,
suggesting that the dashboard contributes toward increased communication and
coordination for healthcare executives. This finding is balanced by the limited
rigor in the research design and an analysis of the web server log file, which found
few visitations to the dashboard by research participants. Qualitative data analysis
suggests that current reporting mechanisms are suboptimal for healthcare
executives and that one solution is the use of dashboards. Conclusion: This study
resulted in a number of important discoveries and avenues for further research. A
more rigorous research design is needed to explore the role of intranet dashboards
in healthcare settings. / Graduation date: 2004
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/31814 |
| Date | 07 November 2003 |
| Creators | Wolpin, Seth E. |
| Contributors | Friedman, Leonard H. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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