5107.0 - Improving Data Dissemination Through a Culturally Attuned Collaboration
Katherine S. Rowell, MS, MHA
Wednesday - October 27, 2021 - 1:15-1:30PM MT
While public health organizations excel in their area of expertise and service provision, these organizations may have limited internal resources, which impact their ability to disseminate data. To help bridge this gap, HealthDataViz provides expertise in processes such as persona development, guided analytics and best practices of data visualization to create innovative data products. In 2020, HealthDataViz collaborated with the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI). UIHI, as a Tribal Epidemiology Center, provides invaluable data on Urban Indian Health in the U.S for public health professionals and legislators. In 2018, the original dashboard was developed, a first of its kind in visualizing Urban Indian health through an interactive Community Health Profile tool. However, with the next iteration of the dashboard UIHI collaborated with HealthDataViz to optimize data visualization, usability, and ensure users were able to quickly access the data they need and see the story of Urban Indian Health in the data.
The redesigned tool developed through this collaboration has improved navigation, flexibility, functionality, and aesthetics while maintaining cultural competency. It employs best practices in data visualization, ensuring users can easily understand the data and ultimately use it to make data-informed decisions. The underlying data structure and software application were consolidated and streamlined for a reduced maintenance burden on UIHI staff, which also gives stakeholders more timely access to new data. We will explain approaches that can be applied to any data product design process, demo the new tool, and share important considerations for improving data dissemination tools.