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Development of key performance indicators for emergency departments in Ireland using an electronic modified-Delphi
Abel Wakai1, Ronan O'Sullivan, Paul Staunton
1Emergency Care Research Unit, Division of Population Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. awakai@rcsi.ie
Summary
Emergency medicine specialists in Ireland reached a consensus on 97 key performance indicators (KPIs) for emergency departments (EDs) using a modified-Delphi process. These KPIs aim to improve emergency care quality and efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Emergency departments (EDs) are critical in healthcare systems.
- Standardized performance measurement is essential for quality improvement in EDs.
- A consensus on key performance indicators (KPIs) for emergency medicine (EM) specialists in Ireland was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a consensus among Irish EM specialists regarding essential ED KPIs.
- To identify and define a comprehensive set of KPIs for evaluating ED performance.
- To inform quality improvement initiatives within Irish EDs.
Main Methods:
- A three-round electronic modified-Delphi process was utilized.
- A panel of registered EM specialists in Ireland participated.
- A five-point Likert scale assessed 54 potential KPIs, with agreement defined as >=70% consensus.
Main Results:
- High response rates (86-88%) were achieved across all three Delphi rounds.
- Ninety-seven KPIs achieved consensus, categorized within the Donabedian framework (42% structure, 54% process, 4% outcome).
- Top-rated KPIs included dedicated clinical information systems, adherence to design standards, and timely ECG for chest pain; pediatric care highlights included timely antibiotics for meningitis and analgesia for fractures.
Conclusions:
- A consensus was successfully reached on 97 ED KPIs for Irish EM specialists.
- The identified KPIs provide a framework for performance evaluation and quality improvement in EDs.
- This consensus establishes a foundation for standardized performance monitoring in emergency care settings.
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