Public reporting makes accountability possible

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Health Services Research
• Information Systems in Healthcare

Background:

• This review critically examines the meta-analysis by Brown, Bhimani, and MacLeod on performance reporting (PR) in healthcare.
• The meta-analysis identified 62 relevant papers out of 1,053, utilizing a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour (KAB) model for analysis.
• The reviewed literature predominantly focused on individual consumers and provider groups, with fewer studies on group consumers and individual providers.

Discussion:

• A significant shortfall in performance reporting literature was identified up to 2004.
• Limited evidence suggests PR currently impacts the KAB of healthcare consumers or providers.
• The findings underscore the need for a robust conceptual model to contextualize PR and support actionable insights.

Key Insights:

• Healthcare performance reporting requires a conceptual framework to enhance its effectiveness.
• Current PR strategies demonstrate minimal influence on stakeholder knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
• There is a critical need for further research and development in healthcare PR.

Outlook:

• Future research should focus on developing and validating conceptual models for PR in healthcare.
• The implementation of PR needs to be strategically integrated within healthcare systems to drive meaningful change.
• Successful PR initiatives should incorporate clear goals, verifiable indicators, transparency, and cost-utility measures.