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Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of composite indicators

From: Improving benchmarking by using an explicit framework for the development of composite indicators: an example using pediatric quality of care

Advantage

Disadvantage

• Facilitate communication with other stakeholders and promote accountability

• Summarize complex issues for decision-makers

• Facilitate benchmarking

• Assess progress over time

• Induce innovation in quality improvement

• Encourage system-based improvement

• Provide misleading messages about quality if poorly constructed or misinterpreted

• Lead to simplistic policy conclusions

• Can be misused, if the construction process is not transparent and lacks sound statistical or conceptual principles

• Selection of metrics and weights can be challenged by other stakeholders

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