Using graphs to consolidate reports to the board.

Reports to the author's hospital's board of directors on quality, risk management, infection control, and safety issues were complex and lengthy. Board members found the reports uninteresting and difficult to understand. To improve the reports, several ongoing measurements were identified from key areas, teams, and functions, and were reported graphically. These measurements now are reported on a quarterly basis; they include results from the current time period and the previous time period, as well as benchmarking goals. The revised presentation of material has been well received by the hospital's board, medical executive committee, and administrative staff.