| Drawing on appreciative inquiry philosophy, this initiative sought to explore the effective use of quantitative data within Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), look at the factors that contribute to its successful use, and help ensure that database development work is leveraged well despite the many complexities of performance reporting. Key information topics included service activity patterns, performance benchmarking, service clients, and client populations. Information is often used to understand one's decision-making context, and organizational structure, policy, and management frameworks shape information needs significantly. In addition to continuing development on the current fronts, the inquiry's recommendations include exploring new data development methodologies, improving the sharing of basic performance information with frontline staff, and further developing supports to address strategic, short-term information needs. Different levels of reporting complexity are also identified, and their implications for the development of reporting infrastructure are explored in detail. |
