Model Public Report Elements: A Sampler

D. Web Page Layout

The design of your Web site's appearance matters. Many report sponsors err on the side of inclusion and the result, unfortunately, can be a visual overload for consumers. To enhance understanding, interest, and visual appeal, the Web site layout should have adequate white space, that is, not too much clutter of text or pictures. A streamlined layout helps to efficiently direct the user's attention to what is important on the page.  In addition, the search function should be quick and easy to locate from the landing page. Below are several examples with specific advantages.

The following search page is readily accessible from the landing page.  It has plenty of white space, a minimum of text, and a clear sequence of steps leading to an easy-to-find "View Quality Scores" box.

Tool:  Partner for Quality Care

Sponsor:  Oregon Health Care Quality Corp

URL: http://www.partnerforqualitycare.org/selection.php

Screenshot of Partner for Quality Care Web site with three choices at the top: tips, quality scores, and about this work. It also has three steps: choose a region, which has a map and selection boxes under it; step 2, choose a topic, which lists four health areas; and step 3, choose doctors' offices or medical groups. A large red box says View Quality Scores.

The same site maintains a balanced look on its data pages, keeping space between information points. Also, the large, clearly labeled tabs at the top, the same as those on the search page, allow quick navigation to other pages of interest.

Tool:  Partner for Quality Care

Sponsor:  Oregon Health Care Quality Corp

URL:  http://www.partnerforqualitycare.org/selection.php

The site below is an example of providing ease in starting a search and creating a customized report by combining multiple items on a single page.

Tool:  VHI Cardiac Care: Compare Hospitals

Sponsor:  Virginia Health Information

URL:  http://www.vhi.org/cardiac_reports.asp

The icons used on the page below quickly transmit important information about services available, while the overall layout is simple and easy to understand.

Tool: New York State Hospital Profile

Sponsor: New York State Department of Health

URL: http://hospitals.nyhealth.gov/browse_view.php?id=218

The page below is easy to read and uses a presentation that draws the eyes to the ratings.

Tool: Get Better Maine

Sponsor: Maine Health Management Coalition

URL: http://www.mhmc.info/compare/hospitals

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References

  1. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the quality chasm: a new health system for the 21st century. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2001.
  2. Anderson G, Brown A. Appropriateness ratings: overuse, underuse, or misuse? Lancet 2001 Nov 3;358(9292):1475-6.
  3. Donabedian A. Evaluating the quality of medical care. Milbank Mem Fund Q 1966 Jul;44(3):Suppl:166-206.
Page last reviewed November 2011
Internet Citation: Model Public Report Elements: A Sampler. November 2011. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://archive.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/quality-resources/value/pubrptsampler/pubrptsampl3c.html