Eight Considerations For Choosing a Performance Management System

January 07, 2025 | Colton Anderson

Performance management is essential for public health agencies. It’s about setting clear goals, tracking progress, and evaluating outcomes to improve community health. At its core is continuous quality improvement, a commitment to regular evaluation and using data to drive decisions. Performance management systems help by centralizing key metrics, identifying trends, and focusing efforts on areas that can lead to better outcomes. As public health challenges evolve, choosing the right system can have a meaningful impact. Here are some key points to consider when making that decision.

1. Define Your Agency’s Goals and Needs

Before choosing a performance management system, take the time to clearly define your agency’s objectives and priorities. Are you aiming to improve accountability and transparency, streamline operational processes, or strengthen your use of data to drive decision-making? Consider your agency’s unique needs, such as meeting accreditation standards or embedding performance management practices into everyday workflows. Being clear about your goals from the outset will help you select a system that supports your agency’s strategic direction and long-term vision.

2. Evaluate Platform Features

Different platforms offer distinct capabilities. For instance, ASTHO’s 2024 Virtual Performance Management Vendor Showcase Event featured these two performance management platforms, which provide different tools and support.

• VMSG Dashboard emphasizes public health accreditation, making it easy to track plans and manage key documents. Its tools engage staff across the organization, and its responsive support ensures ongoing assistance and training.
• AchieveIt prioritizes ease of use, with features like email prompts to streamline updates. It offers visually accessible dashboards and robust client support, acting as an extension of your team.

Consider how each platform’s features align with your agency’s needs. For agencies focused on collaborating with partners and stakeholders, intuitive dashboards may be a greater priority. Meanwhile, those emphasizing staff adoption might prioritize user-friendly designs and comprehensive support.

3. Ensure System Integration

A critical factor in selecting a performance management system is its ability to integrate with existing tools. Agencies often rely on multiple systems to manage workflows. Choosing a platform that works seamlessly with your current systems can make the process smoother and more efficient. Look for options that support interoperability and scalable solutions to accommodate future growth.

4. Consider Cost and Resources

Budget constraints are a reality for many public health agencies. Assess the total cost of a system or platform, including upfront costs, licenses, and additional training or support expenses. Agencies should also account for internal resources required to implement and manage a new system. Comparing costs against the anticipated return on investment can help justify the expenditure.

5. Prioritize User Adoption

Successful implementation hinges on staff buy-in and adoption. Platforms that are easy to use, even for those with limited technical experience, can accelerate the process. Engage staff early by involving them in the selection process and providing comprehensive onboarding and training opportunities. Using change management strategies can help your team transition to a performance and quality improvement focused mindset.

7. Leverage Peer Insights

Learning from other agencies’ experiences can provide valuable insights. At ASTHO’s 2024 Virtual Performance Management Vendor Showcase Event, public health agencies shared how they selected platforms based on factors like cost, ease of use, and integration capabilities. Peer feedback emphasized the importance of aligning the platform’s strengths with specific agency goals. Seek opportunities to connect with colleagues who have implemented similar systems to gain practical advice and inspiration.

8. Plan for Continuous Improvement

Performance management is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Choose a platform that evolves alongside your agency. Innovations like mobile access and AI capabilities are shaping the future of performance management, providing exciting opportunities for agencies to stay ahead. Regularly reassess your system’s effectiveness and adapt as your needs change.