290794
Using data visualization in creating an SDH community profile for the use of policy makers and the public
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
: 10:50 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
Previous studies affirmed the need for publicly-available and publicly-oriented data to address the social determinants of health (SDH) -- a function of the conditions in which one is born, develops, and lives. The lack of relevant data creates difficulties for policy makers and public health professionals when pinpointing and addressing the most gaping needs in their communities. The objective was to create a dynamic chart for the use of policy makers and the public that highlights the trends and changes of selected SDH indicators over time. Guided by health indicators used in various national databases as measures of SDH, state-specific health data were obtained from the Utah Department of Health's Indicator Based Information System to create an SDH Profile for Utah. The data were transferred into a Google Drive graphing system inspired by Gapminder to visually present data on the level of small areas or groups of communities. A dynamic and visualize-able SDH Community Profile was created for Utah that is simple, clear, accurate, appealing, understandable, and user-friendly. This was positively received in local and state-level presentations including the 2012 Governor's Health Summit. A previous survey conducted among local and state legislators showed conceptual support for such a tool. Using locally-relevant data is vital to addressing the social determinants of health (SDH). To act on the evidence, policy makers and public health practitioners need to be engaged through simple, succinct, and visualize-able constituent level health information using existing data and technology.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Communication and informatics
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related public policy
Learning Objectives:
Describe the advantages of translating numerical health data into easy-to-understand visual data for policy makers and public health professionals alike.
Discuss the impact of using small area-specific data in an SDH profile.
Identify ways in which an SDH profile could be used in policy development.
Keyword(s): Health Disparities, Public Health Legislation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a physician and public health practitioner, I have been the principal investigator of multiple studies relating to the social determinants of health (SDH)--particularly how policymakers, public health professionals, and the public view SDH. Through professional presentations, publications, and training seminars, I have taught stakeholders how to access health data, frame the SDH message effectively, and communicate appropriate messages to decision-makers.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
