Visualizing Health and Healthcare Data

Chapter TenDashboards, Reports, and Multidimensional Exploratory Displays (MEDs™)

Definitions Matter

Does agreeing to definitions for different types of data displays really matter? Yes, it matters a lot. You would never go to an architect and request plans for a teepee if what you really want is a wood-frame house. Why, then, is the same logic not applied to the creation of dashboards, reports, and multidimensional exploratory displays (MEDs™)?

Universally accepted and agreed-upon definitions are not superfluous. They are necessary (critical) to provide a framework and structure for users to understand what they are requesting, and for teams to know what they should be creating. Definitions are required to create a plan and a path forward for creating data displays in alignment with what people need to make informed decisions, and when appropriate, drive action. The Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland may have said it best when Alice asks: "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" to which the Cat responds: “If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.”

Definitions are the clear starting place, but how to successfully design these types of displays is also critical. Therefore, each section of this chapter explains the purpose/objection of each display type; the level of data to be displayed (i.e., summaries vs. details); and design guidelines and tips.

Dashboards

The use of the term dashboard when referring to ...