Proposal of a multidimensional strategic-management dashboard for use in a rehabilitation respiratory unit

Health information systems are the core support to decision-making in health organizations. Economic and clinical managements often function separately, while a governance system for quality and safety functions with quality checks and performance accountability, could improve efficiency. The aims of this study were, within a respiratory rehabilitation unit (RRU), to: develop a management-strategy dashboard based on key performance areas (KPAs), identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for each KPA which allow multidimensional assessment; estimate the expected results from the implementation of this dashboard using the balanced score card (BSC) method. In December 2017, a working group was set up at the RRU to develop the dashboard by selecting criteria for KPA and determining the KPIs with their rationale, weight, calculation method, measurements, supply system, target values, and working rules. After 3 meetings, 6 KPAs and 12 KPIs for the financial area, 3 KPAs and 15 KPIs for internal processes, 6 KPAs and 8 KPIs for innovation and growth, and 4 KPAs and 5 KPIs for the Clients’ Perspective were approved. A strategic map showing the cause/effect relations between the different KPAs was drawn. A BSC-based quality measurement integrating economic and clinical management dimensions is possible also in an RRU. The proposed dashboard can improve communication, strategy, information dissemination, information communication technology management, budget negotiations, organizational quality, and accountability to stakeholders.