Summary of the common development process
| Main challenge | Solutions used by the hospitals | |
| Phase 1: data inventory | Making a comprehensive inventory is challenging because of the one-sidedness of available data (quantitative; externally driven). | Improve utilisation of existing data sources; manipulate existing data to fit demand; extend current data collection activities. |
| Phase 2: dashboard content | Developing useful content is challenging due to the differing needs and desires of users. | Involve users in development process; ensure a proper mix of process, outcome and action indicators; install data warehousing systems. |
| Phase 3: dashboard design | Designing an easily comprehensible dashboard is challenging due to users’ differing executive duties, cognitive abilities and analytical skills. | Match graphics with content purpose; display real-time data; use colour codes; provide textual explanation; add customisation functionalities. |
| Phase 4: integrating evaluation | Integrating structural evaluation is challenging due to the users’ lack of time, high workload and irregular schedules. | Embed dashboards in quality management cycles; accountability meetings; policy meetings. |
| Phase 5: improving flexibility and connectivity | Improving is challenging due to the static nature and predetermined content of dashboards. | Connect dashboards to external data systems/dashboards; connect to other internal dashboards; establish interchangeable dashboard content. |