Radiology quality and performance metrics on the web: A management information and communications tool

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using the World Wide Web to communicate critical radiology quality and performance metrics to departmental and hospital management staff. Materials and Methods. Data on report turnaround, appointment access, patient and physician satisfaction, and financial performance were harvested from a variety of sources. These were then standardized and condensed so they could be displayed electronically in a concise, information-dense fashion. Results. The final product was a series of graphic materials on a single Web site. The most informative was a summary 'spiderweb chart' that indicated the percentage of specified performance goals achieved for 12 operational parameters. These graphic materials were distributed to management staff monthly by means of e-mail. Conclusion. The use of simple Web-based technology facilitates the collection of key departmental performance data and the dissemination of these data to a wide audience.