Displays that provide a visually centralized and aggregated view of multiple indicators of health status offer a collective perspective of data visualization not readily attained by viewing a series of independent, unconnected visualizations. In many clinical settings, providers can benefit from centralized access to multiple ePRO and clinical data graphs and tables, which may even be displayed simultaneously (e.g., dashboards). For example, following spine surgery, a surgeon may wish to see how changes in both pain and physical function have trended over time on one screen, as both are important outcomes related to the procedure. Providing centralized and organized access to the collection of relevant ePRO (and clinical data) visualizations can increase the use and efficiency of ePRO reporting.
Strategy A
Provide organizing structures that support a centralized display of the collection of ePRO (and clinical) visualizations relevant to a clinical context
To centralize the display of multiple types of ePRO and clinical visualizations, designers need to offer organizing structures. There are several possible ways to organize the centralization of multiple visualizations for ease of access and efficiency. Among these are tabs, menus, tables, using two or more graphs on a screen, overlays of multiple PROs on a single graph, and dashboards (see Figure 4R (i–iv) for examples).
Figures 4R (i–iv): Organizing structure for presenting multiple ePROs
Figure 4R (i): Tabs
Figure 4R (ii): Dashboard
Figure 4R (iii): Multiple PRO graphs in one window
Figure 4R (iv): Multiple PRO results on one graph (current score represented by bars; mean represented by points and line graph)
Nuances and tradeoffs exist for each of these types of organizing structures. For example, while presenting each ePRO report independently on one tab or menu option can help avoid information overload and screen clutter, toggling among tab or menu options also makes it more difficult to quickly digest the patient situation holistically. ePRO dashboards and overlays provide single-screen pictures supporting a more holistic perspective, but they need to be carefully designed to avoid overwhelming and confusing providers with too much information or clutter.
Thus, an overall challenge to using tools that organize the presentation of multiple ePRO reports (e.g., dashboards and overlaying multiple PROs on one graph) is to balance the amount and granularity of PRO information to be collectively presented on one screen, so that cognitive overload and confusion are minimized.
Below are possible tactics that designers may want to consider in addressing the overall challenge of balancing, specifically when designing dashboards:
Challenges and Tactics Organize Visualizations — Dashboard
Challenges
Balance the amount and granularity of PRO information to be collectively presented on one screen.
Tactics
Minimize the number of tables and graphs on one dashboard.
Include only key PRO information (i.e., recent PRO scores, PRO trends for key indicators, key demographics).
Limit clinical information to only the most relevant items to complementing PRO information (subject to context, this may include recent diagnostic testing and admit/discharge dates).
Showcase outlier information.
Align times scales on all graphs and tables to facilitate rapid understanding.
There are also specific tactics associated with overlaying multiple PROs on one graph as follows:
Challenges and Tactics Organize Visualizations — Overlay PROs on Graph
Challenges
Balance the amount and granularity of PRO information to be collectively presented on one screen.
Tactics
Limit the number of PROs presented on one visual (e.g., one line graph overlaid on a bar graph).
Provide options to turn off/on the presentation of individual PROs on one graph (e.g., visualize only one trend line or a graph that contains multiple PRO trend line).
For additional insight on creating dashboards that include ePRO visualizations, see Recommended Resources related to:
