Data Visualization

 

Data Visualization

Understanding the concept

In simple terms, data visualization is the portrayal of data in simpler forms so that the human brain may better interpret it and extract meaningful insights. Data visualization tools make it easy to examine and comprehend trends, outliers, and data patterns by employing visual elements like charts, plots, graphs, infographics and maps.

Data visualization does not have one form of representation. Even though it is said that data visualization is a way of simplifying complex data, it is not always converted into a simple pie chart or bar graph. It all depends upon the kind and amount of data that is being processed and what type of visual representation is possible to create out of it. One person’s statistics might be another person’s raw data. As data visualization has no boundaries to who and what it can be used for, it all comes down to one’s motive behind using data visualization and his creativity with how he converts his data into insightful charts or graphs that will solve that purpose.

 

Why is it important?

We understand how valuable data is to a business and how it may affect its growth. However, as the 'Big Data' era progresses, the amount of data produced and the rate at which it is produced has never been higher. Without grouping the data or taking out auto-generated summaries, it is impossible to read, understand, and use it for effective outcomes. This is where the use of data visualization comes into play. Data visualization tells stories by removing noise and arranging important data into a more understandable manner, showing trends and outliers. If utilized correctly, it can assist you in quickly recognizing and responding to odd numbers before they have an impact on your business.

 

Types of Data Visualization 

As previously stated, data visualization is never restricted to simple bar graphs or pie charts.

To summarize trillions of rows of data into one conclusion, a representation or summary of data might range from a single graph to a series of graphs and charts. It all relies on the type of data to be processed and the amount of data to be processed. And is it only limited to summarizing data and making it short and simple to understand? No. A basic graph can be tedious to comprehend at times, and so fail to draw your attention to critical insights. The right visualization is one that is combined with the right set of data in an engaging way, highlighting topics that are genuinely important. Simple graphs are only the top of the iceberg in this scenario. There are a variety of visualization approaches for presenting data in an effective and engaging manner.

Let’s look at these examples:

Common types of Data Visualization:

• Charts
• Tables
• Graphs
• Maps
• Infographics
• Dashboards

More specific examples of methods to visualize data:

• Area Chart
• Bar Chart
• Box-and-whisker Plots
• Bubble Cloud
• Dot Distribution Map
• Heat Map
• Highlight Table
• Histogram
• Matrix
• Scatter Plot (2D or 3D)
• Streamgraph
• Text Tables
• Timeline
• Tree map

 

 

Data Visualization in Medical Industries

The majority of tasks in a clinical setting are now computerized in today's modern era. For practically every tiny task, we have technology-driven systems. Automatic patient follow-up systems, remote surveillance systems, software for storing patient medical information, billing and coding applications, and other tools are among them. These systems run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and generate a massive amount of data as a result. In addition to the aforementioned, healthcare organizations receive data from laboratories, medicine manufacturers, and any other external entity linked with the company. Without data visualization, such a massive volume of data becomes a useless jumble of information that is just too large in quantity for anyone to gain any valuable insights from. In this scenario, data visualization helps medical workers access the information they need more faster, resulting in more efficient decision-making.

 

1. Dashboards that are interactive

Dashboards are the most often employed visualization tool for healthcare companies, and they incorporate a variety of interactive data. They can be integrated into existing software with data analysis capabilities, or they can be included in reporting software that is tailored to the needs of the company.

 

Dashboards are divided into three categories:

·      

• Operational 

For displaying real-time data 

• Strategic 

For showing patterns and trends over time

• Analytical 

For more advanced analytics

Below is an example of an analytical dashboard showing the results of patient experience analysis.

2. Interactive apps, sites, and widgets

It is quite challenging to be one of the finest when it comes to offering services in today's industry due to the level of competition. Every business strives to provide its consumers with the greatest possible experience. When it comes to websites, interactive maps, sites, and widgets allow users to engage with data, allowing the system to better understand what the user is searching for and offer them with the most relevant results. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, for example, has an interactive website that analyzes mortality rates and the top causes of death throughout the world. You may choose between maps and charts, as well as select a certain nation, age group, or gender group.

3. Infographics and motion graphics

Infographics are useful digital tools in healthcare that enable patients to get the knowledge they need to understand specific diseases, treatments, and current situations. To put it another way, infographics should be unique and targeted to patients' specific needs.

 An animated infographic called motion graphics is frequently used in educational videos, promotional materials, and tutorials. Here's an example of a video that explains how to forecast future healthcare trends and technologies.

Whether your audience is stakeholders or patients, healthcare data visualization solutions allow everyone to see simplified information at a glance, resulting in enhanced knowledge and engagement.

Written by: Sanjana Mahadik 

Keywords: 

#datavisualization #datavisualizationinhealthcare #datainhealthcare #datainfitness #healthcareindustries #datavisualizayionireland #datavisualizationbog

References: 

Tableau.com. 2022. What Is Data Visualization? Definition, Examples, And Learning Resources. [online] Available at: <https://www.tableau.com/learn/articles/data-visualization> [Accessed 1 April 2022].

Ivan Dunskiy, 2021. HEALTHCARE DATA VISUALIZATION: EXAMPLES & KEY BENEFITS. [online] https://demigos.com/. Available at: <https://demigos.com/blog-post/healthcare-data-visualization/> [Accessed 2 April 2022].