Emergency Department Quality Dashboard; a Systematic Review of Performance Indicators, Functionalities, and Challenges

Introduction: Effective information management in the emergency department (ED) can improve the control and management of ED processes. Dashboards, known as data management tools, efficiently provide information and contribute greatly to control and management of ED. This study aimed to identify performance indicators and quality dashboard functionalities, and analyze the challenges associated with dashboard implementation in the ED. Methods: This systematic review began with a search in four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) from 2000 to May 30, 2020, when the final search for papers was conducted. The data were collected using a data extraction form and the contents of the extracted papers were analyzed through ED performance indicators, dashboard functionalities, and implementation challenges. Results: Performance indicators reported in the reviewed papers were classified as the quality of care, patient flow, timeliness, costs, and resources. The main dashboard functionalities noted in the papers included reporting, customization, alert creation, resource management, and real-time information display. The dashboard implementation challenges included data sources, data quality, integration with other systems, adaptability of dashboard functionalities to user needs, and selection of appropriate performance indicators. Conclusions: Quality dashboards facilitate processes, communication, and situation awareness in the ED; hence, they can improve care provision in this department. To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of ED dashboards, officials should set performance indicators and consider the conformity of dashboard functionalities with user needs. They should also integrate dashboards with other relevant systems at the departmental and hospital levels