Quality Improvement Zone

Data should be presented in a way that is easy to understand. Often, presenting data is only the first step, as the real aim is for people to take action based on what they have been shown. For this to happen, they need to quickly understand the data, turning it into meaningful information, and also understand why it looks the way it does, helping them gain insight. As a rule of thumb, the key messages in a chart should be clear within under a minute, and data should always be presented in a way that is accurate and not misleading.

We need to use data throughout the improvement journey.  It is important that we show the data as effectively as possible to create true understanding of the system, to communicate with and engage the improvement team and wider stakeholders, and to tell the story of the journey – which can be very important to help with spreading a successful change.

Step 1: Display data over time

                ‘When you have 2 data points it is very likely that one will be different from the other’

                                                                                                                                                W. Edward Deming

Before and after snap shots or aggregated data e.g. average waiting times for a clinic A, can make it difficult to see the full picture. Collecting and presenting data over a longer period of time e.g. weekly, can give us a much clearer picture of what is happening in our system.

Step 2: Use a single measure per graph

             Having more than one measure per graph is confusing for the viewer. It is more effective to present the graphs side by side for comparison.

Step 3: Good Graph Display

There are 6 elements to consider in good graph display:

See here for more details on Good graph design

1. What the data is telling us?

To answer this question we can use the GEE model

This stands for: 

• Generalisation Summarise what the chart is saying (and what it is not saying!)
• Example Point out data that illustrates the generalisation
• Exception Draw attention to any exceptions and explain

2. What has caused the change? Subject matter experts will be able to help with this

3. What are we doing about it? Discuss with your team to decide what action to take 

Tips for presenting data to a group

• Make sure your charts are clear and readable – follow the tips above.
• Set the context before you reveal the data.  Using stories to engage people can be really effective.
• Explain the dimensions of the data (axes) and what’s been plotted.
• Interpret the chart explaining the key messages.  

Content updated September 2021

Office for National Statistics guide to data visualisation

Article on data storytelling