JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Data dashboards have become more widely used for public communication of health-related data, including in maternal health.

Objective:

We evaluated the content and features of existing publicly-available maternal health dashboards in the U.S.

Methods:

Through systematic searches, we identified 80 publicly-available, interactive dashboards presenting U.S. maternal health data. We abstracted and descriptively analyzed the technical features and content of identified dashboards across four areas: a) scope and origins; b) technical capabilities; c) data sources and indicators; and d) disaggregation abilities. Where present, we abstracted and qualitatively analyzed dashboard text describing the purpose and intended audience.

Results:

The majority of reviewed dashboards reported state-level data (73%) and were hosted on a state health department website (60%). Most dashboards reported data from only one (41%) or two (29%) data sources. Key indicators—such as the maternal mortality rate (13%) and severe maternal morbidity rate (15%)—were absent from most dashboards. Included dashboards utilized a range of data visualizations, and most allowed some disaggregation by time (81%), geography (81%), and race/ethnicity (69%). Among dashboards that identified their audience (38%), legislators/policymakers and public health agencies/organizations were the most common.

Conclusions:

While maternal health dashboards have proliferated, their designs and features are not standard. This national scoping review of maternal health dashboards in the U.S. found substantial variation among dashboards, including inconsistent data sources, health indicators, and disaggregation capabilities. Opportunities to strengthen dashboards include integrating a greater number of data sources, increasing disaggregation capabilities, and considering end user needs in dashboard design.