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Challenges and Solutions for Developing a Patient Safety Dashboard for Healthcare Facilities: A Qualitative Study

Author(s):
Ghasem Alizadeh DizajGhasem Alizadeh DizajGhasem Alizadeh Dizaj ORCID1, Shahla DamanabiShahla DamanabiShahla Damanabi ORCID2, Mohammad Esmaeil HejaziMohammad Esmaeil Hejazi3, Samira RaoofiSamira RaoofiSamira Raoofi ORCID4, Leila KalankeshLeila KalankeshLeila Kalankesh ORCID2, 5,*
1School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4Department of Healthcare Management, Research Center for Evidence-Based Health Management, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
5Tabriz Heath Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Health Scope:Vol. 14, issue 2; e160084
Published online:May 18, 2025
Article type:Research Article
Received:Feb 01, 2025
Accepted:May 02, 2025
How to Cite:Ghasem Alizadeh Dizaj, Shahla Damanabi, Mohammad Esmaeil Hejazi, Samira Raoofi, Leila Kalankesh, Challenges and Solutions for Developing a Patient Safety Dashboard for Healthcare Facilities: A Qualitative Study.Health Scope.2025;14(2):e160084.https://doi.org/10.5812/healthscope-160084.

Abstract

Background:

Patient safety dashboards are increasingly used to monitor and improve patient safety in healthcare. However, their effective development faces significant challenges. This qualitative study explores these challenges and identifies potential solutions.

Methods:

A phenomenological approach was used to investigate the experiences of healthcare managers, patient safety officers, quality improvement specialists, and information technology professionals involved in patient safety dashboard development within healthcare facilities of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were selected via purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria were direct experience with patient safety dashboard development within the past 5 years; exclusion criteria included no direct involvement or roles unrelated to patient safety. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify challenges and solutions.

Results:

A total of 20 individuals participated in this study. The study identified two main themes: Challenges and solutions in developing patient safety dashboards. Within these themes, five sub-themes related to challenges were identified: Data integration complexities, disparate data sources, lack of standardized metrics, resource constraints, and varying levels of digital maturity. Similarly, five sub-themes related to solutions were identified: Interoperability solutions, standardized metrics development, resource allocation, capacity building initiatives, and digital transformation strategies. A total of 72 individual codes were generated from the data, representing specific examples of challenges and solutions.

Conclusions:

Addressing challenges and providing solutions for developing patient safety dashboards is vital for enhancing patient safety practices and driving quality improvement initiatives toward delivering high-quality, safe care to patients. By prioritizing data integration, standardized metrics, resource allocation, capacity building, and digital transformation efforts, organizations can develop dashboards to strengthen patient safety practices and continuously improve patient care.

1. Background

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, patient safety remains a critical aspect of quality care delivery (1, 2). Ensuring the well-being and protection of patients is not only a moral imperative but also a legal and ethical responsibility for healthcare organizations (3, 4). As such, the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives have garnered increased attention and importance in recent years (5-7). Among the various tools and strategies employed to enhance patient safety, patient safety dashboards have emerged as a valuable tool for healthcare organizations to monitor, evaluate, and improve their patient safety status and practices (8-11).

Patient safety dashboards provide a visual representation of key patient safety indicators, allowing healthcare providers and administrators to track and analyze data related to adverse events, medical errors, and other patient safety concerns (12-14). By consolidating and presenting relevant information in a clear and concise manner, patient safety dashboards enable healthcare organizations to make informed decisions, identify areas of improvement, and implement targeted interventions to enhance patient safety outcomes (15, 16).

However, the development of a patient safety dashboard is not without its challenges (17). Healthcare organizations face numerous obstacles in designing and developing an effective dashboard that meets the needs of various stakeholders and aligns with specific organizational goals (18-21). To address these challenges and optimize the implementation of patient safety dashboards, healthcare organizations must explore potential solutions and best practices (22). Gaining insight into barriers and solutions to developing a patient safety dashboard is crucial for designing a successful intervention that drives sustainable improvements in patient safety outcomes (22-24).

2. Objectives

In this qualitative study, we seek to explore the challenges faced by healthcare organizations in developing a patient safety dashboard and examine the solutions employed to overcome these obstacles. By conducting in-depth interviews with healthcare leaders, administrators, and patient safety experts who have had experience and involvement in developing patient safety dashboards, we aimed to gain insight into the challenges and complexities of patient safety dashboard development and identify effective approaches to overcome these challenges.

3. Methods

3.1. Research Design

This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to explore the challenges healthcare organizations face in developing patient safety dashboards and to identify potential solutions. Given the complexity of implementing patient safety dashboards and the importance of understanding the perspectives of those directly involved, a phenomenological approach was deemed most appropriate. This method allows for a rich and nuanced understanding of the challenges and potential solutions by focusing on the lived experiences of healthcare professionals. A phenomenological lens allows for an in-depth exploration of the lived experiences and subjective interpretations of key stakeholders who have prior experience and involvement in the patient safety dashboard development process.

3.2. Participant Selection

Participants were selected through purposive sampling (n = 20), ensuring a rich and diverse representation of healthcare professionals directly involved in patient safety initiatives. The sample included:

(1) Healthcare managers (n = 5): Responsible for overseeing operational aspects within healthcare organizations.

(2) Patient safety officers (n = 4): Focused on the development and enforcement of safety protocols.

(3) Quality improvement specialists (n = 6): Engaged in activities aimed at improving overall care quality and safety measures.

(4) Information technology professionals (n = 5): Tasked with developing and maintaining technological solutions related to patient safety dashboards.

To facilitate in-depth exploration, inclusion criteria required participants to have at least three years of experience in their respective roles related to patient safety and dashboard development. A total of twenty participants were engaged in the study. Participant demographics, including professional background, years of experience, and organizational type, are detailed in Table 1.

Table 1.Demographic Information of the Interviewed Participants Involved in the Study
RoleNumber of ParticipantsAverage Years of ExperienceOrganizational Type
Healthcare managers58.5Health systems, clinics
Patient safety officers46.2Hospitals, health policy
Quality improvement specialists67.3Various healthcare settings
Information technology professionals54.9IT departments

Demographic Information of the Interviewed Participants Involved in the Study

3.3. Data Collection

Data were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews, allowing participants to articulate their experiences, challenges, and perspectives freely. The interview guide was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and aimed to address key areas such as: (A) Experiences with existing patient safety dashboards; (B) challenges encountered during dashboard development; (C) perceived barriers to implementation; (D) suggestions for dashboard improvement and support.

Each interview lasted between 60 to 90 minutes and was conducted either in-person or via secure video conferencing platforms (e.g., Google Meet), depending on participant preference. All interviews were audio-recorded with participant consent and transcribed verbatim to ensure fidelity to the original dialogue. To establish rapport and trust, preliminary discussions aimed to clarify the study's purpose while emphasizing participant confidentiality and the voluntary nature of involvement. Participants were also assured their identities would remain anonymous throughout the study.

3.4. Data Analysis

The analysis utilized thematic analysis according to the six-phase process outlined by Braun and Clarke (25). This method consists of:

(1) Familiarization with the data: All researchers read and re-read the transcripts to immerse themselves in the data.

(2) Generating initial codes: Key pieces of data were highlighted and labeled to establish initial codes reflecting the participants' experiences and challenges.

(3) Searching for themes: Codes were organized into broader themes that encapsulated shared experiences and insights regarding patient safety dashboard development.

(4) Reviewing themes: Themes were evaluated to ensure they accurately represented the data and aligned with the research objectives.

(5) Defining and naming themes: Each theme was clearly articulated, with definitions crafted to encapsulate the essence of participants' experiences.

(6) Producing the report: The final analysis incorporated direct quotes from participants to illustrate each theme, providing a robust narrative that offered insights into the challenges and potential solutions identified.

To enhance the rigor and transparency of the analysis, a collaborative approach was taken, with all authors participating in the coding and theme development process. Peer debriefing sessions were held to discuss emerging themes and to validate interpretations.

3.5. Trustworthiness

To ensure the study's trustworthiness, we employed several strategies, including member checking, peer review, and reflexivity. Preliminary findings were shared with participants for verification, allowing them to confirm the accuracy and representation of their views. Colleagues and advisors provided feedback on the coding and themes to enhance credibility. Researchers maintained reflective journals throughout the study to document personal biases and assumptions; for instance, one researcher noted a background in healthcare administration that could influence the interpretation of managerial challenges. Discussions among researchers were conducted to mitigate bias, emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences and interpretations.

3.6. Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval (IR.TBZMED.REC.1402.904) was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, and all participants provided informed consent, affirming their voluntary involvement. The confidentiality and anonymity of all individuals and organizations were prioritized, ensuring no identifying information was shared in the reporting of results. Participants were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without repercussions.

3.7. Data Reporting

Findings were structured in accordance with qualitative research guidelines. The research paper elaborates on the identified challenges and potential solutions in developing patient safety dashboards, enriched by direct quotes and illustrative examples from participant interviews.

4. Results

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore their experiences with patient safety dashboard development, focusing on challenges, strategies, and the effectiveness of solutions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing key patterns and themes presented in Table 2, which shows the challenges and solutions to developing a patient safety dashboard as expressed by participants. The study identified two main themes: Challenges and solutions in developing patient safety dashboards. Within these themes, five sub-themes related to challenges were identified: Data integration complexities, disparate data sources, lack of standardized metrics, resource constraints, and varying levels of digital maturity. Similarly, five sub-themes related to solutions were identified: Interoperability solutions, standardized metrics development, resource allocation, capacity building initiatives, and digital transformation strategies. A total of 72 individual codes were generated from the data, representing specific examples of challenges and solutions.

Table 2.Challenges and Solutions to Developing a Patient Safety Dashboard Expressed by Participants
Categories and ChallengesSolutionsExamples of Solutions
Data integration
Complexity of integrating data from various sources
Merging EHR data with incident reportsImplementation of interoperability solutionsUse of FHIR standards
Combining patient demographics from multiple facilitiesStandardization of data formats for separate systemsUtilization of HL7 messaging standards to streamline data input
Difficulty in integrating data from monitoring devicesUsing middleware for data collection and integrationDeployment of integration platforms like Mirth Connect
Data quality heterogeneity across systems
Inconsistent data entry leading to duplicatesDevelopment of data mapping and standardization protocolsCreating a centralized data dictionary for definitions
Missing fields in patient safety reportsImplementation of automated data validation checksUse of data quality tools like Talend or Informatica
Variations in safety terminology used across departmentsTraining staff on standardized data entry practicesConducting regular data quality training sessions
Fragmented data sources
Patient data fragmentation across multiple hospital systemsEstablishing secure data exchange mechanismsUse of APIs for data sharing
Limited visibility of patient incidents across platformsCreating a centralized data warehouseImplementation of platforms like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Redshift
Difficulties in accessing historical incident reportsRegular update and sync data across systemsUse of ETL tools like Apache NiFi
Disparate data sources
Inconsistent data formats
Varying coding for diagnoses (ICD-10 vs. SNOMED)Introducing data standardization initiativesAdopting a unified coding system across the organization
Different formats for medication orders across departmentsEnforcing adherence to standard formats for data entryImplementing databases that support standard formats (e.g. LOINC)
Lack of uniform categorization for patient safety eventsEstablishing training programs on data entry standardsConducting workshops on data entry and classification
Lack of standardized data collection practices
Different departments collecting patient safety data in various formatsImplementing data governance frameworksEstablishing data governance committees to oversee practices
Variations in how incident reports are documentedStandardization of reporting templates and proceduresDeveloping and distributing standardized report formats
Inconsistent definitions for critical safety eventsReviewing and updating data collection guidelines regularly.Hosting quarterly meetings to reassess reporting standards
Lack of standardized metrics
Absence of KPIs in some areas
Difficulty in tracking HAI ratesEngaging stakeholders for metric developmentWork in collaborate to define metrics like HAI rates, readmission rates
Inability to measure patient fall rates consistentlyCreating a list of essential metrics with inputs from clinical staffUsing a consensus to establish a standard metric
Gaps in measuring staff compliance with safety protocolsProtocols to evaluate patient safety compliance by staffConducting periodic assessments
Challenges in patient safety performance comparison across organizations
Inability to benchmark patient safety outcomes between healthcare facilitiesFostering adoption of a common evaluation frameworkUtilizing established frameworks like the NQF's measures
Difficulty in sharing best practicesOrganizing collaborative meetings between institutionsCreating a shared online platform for data sharing
Limited resources
Budget constraints
Limited funding for new technologies and dashboard developmentAdvocating for strategic resource allocationDeveloping a business case to present to stakeholders for funding
Constraints on hiring additional data staffExploring grants and external funding optionsResearch grant opportunities for technology improvements
Budget cuts impacting existing projectsEstablishing prioritization criteria for projectsCreating a prioritization matrix for funding allocation
Staff shortages
Difficulty in hiring data analystsInvest in capacity-building initiativesProviding workshops for training existing staff on data analytics
Overworked existing staff leading to burnoutOffer incentives for attracting and retaining talentImplementing retention programs, like professional development support
Lack of specialized IT support for dashboard developmentPartner with academic institutions for internshipsHolding IT training courses for employees in cooperation with IT institutions
Insufficient organizational leadership support
Competing priorities that divert attention from dashboard projectsCreating cross-functional teamsEstablishing project teams with representatives from IT, clinical staff
Lack of executive buy-in for patient safety initiativesConducting awareness sessions for leadershipOrganizing/holding workshops demonstrating potential dashboard benefits
Varying levels of digital maturity
Disparities in IT infrastructure
Some departments using legacy systems while others use advanced softwarePromoting digital transformation initiativesInvesting in new technologies like cloud-based EMRs
Inefficient data retrieval processesConducting infrastructure assessments and mappingsCreating an upgrade roadmap for IT systems
Variability in tech support capabilities across departmentsStandardizing IT support practicesImplementing a unified IT ticketing system for all departments
Resistance to technology adoption
Clinicians reluctance to use new dashboard toolsEncouraging a culture of innovationSharing success stories and benefits of data-driven decisions
Fear of employees losing some of the financial benefits of their jobs due to automationInvolving staff in design and implementation of patient safety dashboardsConducting focus groups for feedback and concerns
Challenges in training staff on new systemsUsing gradual training approaches with pilot programsImplementing peer-assisted learning sessions
Challenges with integrating legacy systems
Difficulty in connecting old systems to new data platformsDeveloping plans for seamless technology integrationCreating a phased implementation strategy for system upgrades
Legacy systems’ incompatibility with modern softwareAllocate resources to upgrade legacy systemsUtilizing APIs to bridge the gap between legacy and new systems

Challenges and Solutions to Developing a Patient Safety Dashboard Expressed by Participants

4.1. Challenges Faced in Developing Patient Safety Dashboards

4.1.1. Data Integration Challenges

Healthcare leaders and administrators highlighted the complexity of integrating data from various sources such as electronic health records, incident reports, and quality measures. Issues such as data harmonization, standardization, and quality assurance were identified as significant barriers. Participants expressed concerns about the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of cleaning, aggregating, and integrating data to create a unified view for the dashboard. One of the participants said this:

Patient 7: "What stands out is the difficulty of making the data usable. It's not that we don't have data; it's that it comes from so many places, in so many forms. Getting it all aligned and reliable feels like a huge barrier to creating a dashboard that actually helps us improve patient safety".

4.1.2. Disparate Data Sources

The diverse array of data sources available in healthcare organizations presented challenges in consolidating and aligning data to develop a comprehensive patient safety dashboard. Participants noted issues with inconsistent data formats, coding standards, and data governance practices. The lack of a standardized approach to data collection and reporting hindered efforts to create a cohesive and accurate representation of patient safety metrics. In this regard, one of the participants in the study states that:

Patient 11: "The data...it feels scattered, like pieces of a broken mirror. Each system holds a fragment, a glimpse, but to see the whole reflection – to truly understand what the dashboard is telling us – requires immense effort. It's a constant struggle to force these disparate pieces to fit, to speak the same language, to trust that the image we're creating is accurate".

4.1.3. Lack of Standardized Metrics

Participants emphasized the need for standardized measures to effectively measure patient safety outcomes. The lack of performance indicators and quality measures in some areas creates challenges in benchmarking and comparing safety initiatives across organizations. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of defining clear, measurable, and relevant metrics to ensure the validity and reliability of dashboard data. One participant said in this regard:

Patient 2: "It's like navigating in the dark. You know you need to measure something, to track patient safety, but there's no shared map, no common language. Each department, each facility, is using its own yardstick. You're left wondering, 'Are we truly improving? Are we even measuring the same things?' The lack of standards creates this unsettling feeling of uncertainty".

4.1.4. Limited Resources

Resource limitations, including budget constraints and staff shortages, were identified as barriers to developing a patient safety dashboard. Overall, organizations struggle to allocate sufficient funds and personnel to support dashboard initiatives. Participants emphasized the need to invest in technology, training, and organizational support to overcome resource challenges and ensure the successful development of dashboard projects. One of the participants stated in this regard:

Patient 13: "It feels like you're constantly being asked to do more with less. The vision for the dashboard is there, the desire to improve patient safety is strong, but the resources...they're stretched so thin. You're juggling budget limitations, staffing shortages, and the constant pressure to prioritize".

4.1.5. Varying Levels of Digital Maturity

The disparity in digital maturity and IT infrastructure in healthcare organizations creates challenges in the adoption and use of patient safety dashboards. Participants noted that organizations with limited technological capabilities face challenges in implementing data-driven solutions and effectively exploiting dashboard insights. Efforts to increase digital maturity, foster data-driven cultures, and promote technology adoption were identified as key strategies to address digital readiness challenges. One of the participants mentioned this in this regard:

Patient 1: "You start with this excitement, this belief that you can create a unified view of patient safety. But then you run headfirst into the reality of legacy systems and IT silos. The dream of a seamless deployment quickly fades as you grapple with compatibility issues, interoperability challenges, and the sheer complexity of integrating everything. The gap between the vision and the reality feels immense".

4.2. Solutions Employed to Address Challenges

4.2.1. Interoperability Solutions

To overcome data integration challenges, healthcare organizations must implement interoperability solutions such as data mapping, standardization protocols, and data exchange mechanisms. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of adopting data interoperability standards and frameworks to facilitate the integration and seamless exchange of data across systems. Collaborative efforts to foster data sharing and interoperability are key strategies in addressing barriers to data integration. One of the study participants stated this:

Patient 18: "Implementing data governance practices brings a sense of order to the chaotic world of data. You're establishing standards, defining clear processes, and ensuring data quality. It's like bringing structure to a previously unstructured environment, creating a sense of control and confidence in the data you're using to make decisions about patient safety".

4.2.2. Standardized Metrics Development

Organizations should prioritize the development and implementation of standard metrics in areas lacking them for patient safety dashboards, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational goals. Collaborative initiatives to define key performance indicators (KPIs), quality measures, and safety measures are necessary to create a common framework for monitoring and evaluating patient safety outcomes. Participants emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in metric development processes to promote buy-in and adoption of standard measures. In this regard, a participant said:

Patient 5: "Developing standardized metrics and defining common KPIs is a process of building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a shared purpose around patient safety. You feel like you're all rowing in the same direction, guided by these agreed-upon metrics".

4.2.3. Resource Allocation and Capacity Building

Healthcare organizations should prioritize resource allocation and capacity-building efforts to address resource constraints and support the development of patient safety dashboard initiatives. Investments in employee training, technology infrastructure, and data management capabilities are necessary to increase organizational capacity to implement dashboards. Initiatives aimed at improving data management skills, digital literacy, and project management capabilities are critical in overcoming resource constraints. One of the participants in this research said:

Patient 19: "Imagine the possibilities if employees were empowered with the right training and the organization fully committed to removing barriers. You envision a workforce confident in their ability to develop and utilize patient safety dashboards, a culture where continuous improvement is not just a goal but a reality. It's a call to action, a plea for organizations to invest in their people and create an environment where patient safety can truly thrive".

4.2.4. Digital Transformation Initiatives

Organizations should carry out digital transformation activities to increase their digital maturity and readiness to develop a patient safety dashboard as one of the basic priorities. Strategies such as technology upgrades, data analysis tools, and IT infrastructure improvements are needed to support dashboard development and use. Most stakeholders, such as IT leaders and senior managers, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement to drive digital transformation efforts and ensure the success of dashboard projects. A participant said this point:

Patient 3: "There's a palpable sense of anticipation as we begin to upgrade our technology infrastructure and deploy advanced analytics tools. It feels like we're on the cusp of a transformation, moving from a data-constrained environment to one where information flows freely. The promise of increased digital maturity, of being able to implement dashboards that truly inform our decisions, fills us with excitement".

5. Discussion

This study provides a holistic insight into the challenges of and solutions for developing patient safety dashboards in healthcare organizations. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of these challenges, including data integration complexities, lack of standardized metrics, resource limitations, and varying levels of digital maturity. By addressing these barriers, healthcare organizations can leverage dashboards to enhance patient safety outcomes and foster a culture of continuous care quality improvement.

5.1. Challenges in Developing Patient Safety Dashboards

The challenges identified in this study align with findings from previous research. For instance, a study by Ahmed et al. highlighted the difficulties healthcare organizations face in integrating data from disparate sources, echoing our participants' concerns about data harmonization and data quality assurance (26). The participants in our study emphasized that the labor-intensive process of cleaning and aggregating data often detracts from the strategic use of dashboards, which mirrors the findings expressed in studies by Kirkendall et al. and Classen et al. (27, 28). These studies also found that the lack of data interoperability not only hinders the development of dashboards but also limits the potential for real-time decision-making and effective patient safety monitoring.

Moreover, the issue of lacking standardized metrics in some domains of patient safety is a recurring theme in the literature. As noted by Sorber et al., the absence of universally accepted performance indicators complicates benchmarking efforts and compromise the reliability of safety metrics across different healthcare settings (29). Our findings reveal the need for collaborative efforts to establish standardized measures, as participants stressed the importance of involving stakeholders in the metric development process to ensure optimal buy-in and successful implementation of patient safety dashboards. Multiple studies have emphasized the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders, including health professionals, patients, and leadership, in the metric development process (13, 30).

Similar to the study by Jean Pierre et al. resource constraints emerged as another significant obstacle in our study, consistent with findings from other research (31). A study by Vasileiou et al. illustrated how budget limitations and staff shortages hinder the effective development and maintenance of quality improvement initiatives, including patient safety dashboards (32). In accordance with the findings of the study by Babb et al. participants in our research reflected these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to allocate sufficient resources to support initiatives of patient safety dashboards, including investments in related technology and training (33).

5.2. Solutions for Enhancing Dashboard Development

The solutions proposed by participants in this study align with existing research. The emphasis on interoperability solutions, such as data mapping and standardization protocols, is supported by research from Badirova et al., which advocates for the establishment of robust data governance frameworks to facilitate seamless data exchange across systems (34). Participants highlighted that collaborative efforts to foster data sharing are essential for overcoming integration challenges, which is consistent with recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (2015) regarding the importance of data interoperability in improving patient safety (35).

Furthermore, the call for developing standardized metrics resonates with the recommendations made by the National Quality Forum (NQF), which emphasizes the need for consensus on KPIs to enhance the comparability of patient safety outcomes across healthcare organizations (36). Our findings suggest that involving stakeholders in the metric development process not only fosters alignment but also enhances the validity of the data collected, thereby supporting effective decision-making, which is consistent with the study by van de Baan et al. (30). Williams et al. also report in a study that engaging interdisciplinary input in dashboard development enables successful implementation and utilization for quality improvement (13).

The importance of resource allocation and capacity building reflects broader trends in healthcare improvement initiatives. As highlighted by the World Health Organization, investing in training and technology is critical for enhancing organizational capacity to implement and sustain quality improvement projects (37), including patient safety dashboards. Participants in our study recognized that building employee competencies in data analysis and dashboard usage is vital for maximizing the impact of these tools. Research has shown that employee analytical skills are essential for effectively utilizing big data and improving organizational outcomes (38, 39).

Lastly, the need for digital transformation initiatives to increase organizational readiness for implementing patient safety dashboards is a crucial finding. Previous studies have shown that organizations with higher digital maturity are better positioned to utilize data-driven solutions effectively (40, 41). Our participants stressed the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, which is supported by the literature as a key factor in successful digital transformation efforts (42).

5.3. Implications for Healthcare Practice and Policy

The implications of this study for healthcare practice and policy are significant. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the proposed solutions, healthcare organizations can enhance patient safety outcomes (43). The findings suggest that effective patient safety dashboards can facilitate data-driven decision-making, enabling organizations to proactively monitor safety concerns and implement targeted interventions. This aligns with the work of Mojeed Dayo et al., who argue that transparency and data utilization are essential components of high-quality healthcare delivery (44).

From a policy perspective, the study highlights the need for initiatives that promote data standardization, interoperability, and digital readiness (45). As Shoemaker-Hunt et al. point out in a review, policymakers should consider incentivizing data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders to advance patient safety practices (46). The recommendations provided by participants emphasize the necessity for a coordinated approach to developing patient safety dashboards, which can ultimately lead to improved healthcare quality and patient outcomes.

Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on patient safety dashboards by identifying key challenges and proposing actionable solutions. By addressing the barriers to effective dashboard development and fostering a culture of data-driven quality improvement, healthcare organizations can enhance their patient safety practices, ultimately delivering safer and higher-quality care to patients. Future research should continue to explore the long-term impacts of dashboard implementation on patient safety outcomes and the effectiveness of various strategies for overcoming identified challenges. Challenges identified in this qualitative study could help prioritize and focus on interventions required for facilitating the development of patient safety dashboards in practice. Moreover, the provided solutions have the potential to be translated into actionable steps in the real world. Overcoming the challenges in developing patient safety dashboards could pave the way for achieving patient safety improvement programs as well as digital maturity in this regard.

5.4. Conclusions

In conclusion, the study underscores the critical importance of addressing challenges and implementing solutions to develop effective patient safety dashboards in healthcare settings. By leveraging insights from existing literature and stakeholders' perspectives, healthcare organizations can enhance patient safety practices through the strategic development and utilization of patient safety dashboards. The study's findings highlight key challenges, including data harmonization, lack of standardized metrics, resource constraints, and digital maturity, which impede the successful implementation of dashboard initiatives.

Collaborative efforts to address these challenges, such as leveraging interoperability solutions, developing standardized metrics, allocating resources effectively, and enhancing digital maturity, are essential for optimizing the impact of patient safety dashboards and driving continuous improvement in patient care. By prioritizing data integration, standardizing metrics, enhancing resource allocation, building organizational capacity, and fostering digital transformation, healthcare organizations can overcome barriers to dashboard implementation and leverage data-driven insights to improve patient safety outcomes.

Footnotes

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