Methods to derive composite indicators used for quality and safety measurement and monitoring in healthcare: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Introduction Composite indicators of quality and safety in healthcare summarise performance across multiple indicators into a single performance measure. Composite indicators can identify domains and drivers of quality, improve the ability to detect differences, aid prioritisation for quality improvement and facilitate decision making about future healthcare needs. However, the use of composite indicators can be controversial, particularly when used to rank healthcare providers. Many of the concerns around transparency, appropriateness and uncertainty may be addressed by a robust and transparent development and review process.The aim of this scoping review is to describe methodologies used at each of the stages of development of composite indicators of quality and safety in healthcare. This review will provide those tasked with developing or reviewing composite indicators with a valuable consolidated analysis of a substantial and wide-ranging literature.Methods and analysis The framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and enhancements proposed by Peters et al (2015, 2017, 2020) will be used in conducting this scoping review, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews will guide the reporting. Grey literature and peer-reviewed documents will be in-scope. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ABI/INFORM and SafetyLit) will be searched, and publications will be screened by two reviewers. Discussion, policy and guidance publications will be included if they discuss any aspect of the methods used in the development of a composite indicator of quality or safety in a healthcare setting. The search period ranges from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2022. Data extraction will capture information on 11 stages of composite indicator development, augmenting a 10-stage framework developed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required. Review findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.