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The first step in a project to report on health care quality to consumers is to lay the foundation—politically, organizationally, and financially. While this may sound obvious, many projects fail because sponsors do not take the time to think through and prepare for all the steps in the process. They dive right into collecting and reporting data, only to be taken by surprise when someone objects to a key aspect of the project, the money runs out, or the intended audience shows no interest in the final product.

This section walks you through the process of planning a consumer reporting project. It is intended to help report sponsors produce a report that is feasible and sustainable and meets the audience’s needs.

Start by gathering some important information that will guide your decisions along the way:

1. Who is the audience for your health care quality report?
2. What are the objectives for your health care quality report?
3. What is the environment for reporting on health care quality?
4. Who could partner in a health care quality reporting project?
5. What will be the subject of your health care quality report?
6. What health care quality measures will you report?

Once you have gathered information and made the basic decisions critical to moving forward with your reporting project, consider the strategic decisions that will shape your initiative and determine your ability to maintain it over time.

7. What role do you want in developing a health care quality report?
8. How will you pay for a health care quality report?
9. How will you manage a health care quality reporting project?
10. How will you gain the trust of health care providers or plans?
11. How will you test aspects of your health care quality report?
12. How will you distribute and promote a health care quality report?
13. How will you assess the success of a health care quality report?