Nursing Dashboards- Data Transparency meets Performance Improvement

Purpose:
Nursing outcome data was scarce due to fragmented reporting with limited dissemination. Data was not meaningful to staff nurses. The Nursing Dashboard is designed to improve staff understanding of metrics and provide a foundation to assist with identifying best practices and needed improvements.

Significance:
Reporting consolidated critical high-level information can help teams gather information and identify problem areas. The Nursing Dashboard uses design concepts to display clinical, staffing, and satisfaction data. Indicators demonstrate a data path to achieve patient and organizational outcomes.

Strategy and Implementation:
The Nursing Dashboard is available in Insight, a process monitoring tool accessible through the intranet. Data is uploaded on weekly, monthly, and quarterly from financial, human resources, and clinical systems. Indicators are displayed by rate and component. Targets are set using the NDNQI 50th percentile for Magnet hospitals. Current metrics, targets and thresholds are highlighted in red, yellow or green. Information is displayed in tabular or graphical views. Users can print data in multiple ways. Dashboard users can view the information at the system, entity, unit, and patient levels. The Dashboard became available on December 1, 2008. Initial education targeted nursing leaders. One-hour hands-on Nursing Dashboard computer training for small groups is offered monthly on an ongoing basis. Unit-based training is available at regular meetings. All nursing employees have the opportunity to attend Dashboard training. As of July 7, 2009, 410 nurses have been trained.

Evaluation:
Initial success was measured by number of nurses trained. Practice changes as a result of data analysis by interdisciplinary Unit Practice Councils now define success. Standardizing Dashboard display and usage helps units identify problem indicators and collect ideas for improvement.

Implications for Practice:
Data is essential to identify current state and champion changes to improve outcomes. The Dashboard supports unique unit characteristics and enables nurses to identify unit-specific problems then take action based on staff feedback. Collaboration is fostered since data is available to all.