“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” – W. Edwards Deming
We find ourselves in an increasingly data-driven world, with information becoming more readily accessible and in unforeseen quantities. It is becoming central to everything that we do. With the explosion of information and its availability, the need to effectively and accurately present and share data is critical to ensure that information is interpreted correctly when consumed.
Data, defined by Merriam-Webster, is “factual information used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation.” Data serve as the foundation for evidence, the means by which we interpret, explain, and discuss the solution to a question or problem. Knowing the right question and clearly defining the objective will guide the effective presentation of data and information. As John Tukey once said, “far better an approximate answer to the right question, which is often vague, than an exact answer to the wrong question, which can always be made precise.” There is truth in the necessity of knowing and respecting your audience when presenting, as we have heard many times, but just as crucial a step is defining your objective in sharing the story.
When presenting data and information, we can learn what to do and what not to do by looking at examples in practice. The work and perspectives of preeminent experts in the field of data visualization and presentation serve as a reliable guide for best practices, including Edward Tufte, Hans Rosling, Dona Wong, Stephen Kosslyn, Stephen Few, Howard Wainer, and John Tukey. One of the key principles shared by these experts is that we must do whatever it takes to effectively present the data, rather than working to fit the data or information into a particular mode of presentation.
Many times effective data presentation is a means by which we share a story around information and evidence to create influence. To drive our profession, we must bring data.
Resources through ASHP and ASHP Foundation:
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