Table A table shows the Pros raw data presented Shows all data in rows and Precise columns. Cons Can be hard to Should be used for interpret or see small datasets for patterns comparison, e.g. number of discharges in a month by consultant. Pie Chart A pie chart shows Pros data as a Simple and percentage of the quick to show whole. proportions Cons Should be used for The total 3-7 categories only, represented by e.g. patients on the the chart is caseload by unknown diagnosis Bar Chart A bar chart shows Pros data in separate Shows scale of columns. the categories Cons Should be used for Reordering the comparison bars can between discrete change categories, e.g. interpretation patients on the caseload by town Histogram A histogram shows Pros continuous data with Shows no gaps between continuity of the columns. data categories Cons Should be used for Data is grouped any data where so cannot see there are no gaps individual data between the categories, e.g. distance of patients from the community team base. Box and Box and Whisker Pros Whisker plots show the Shows average median and the and spread in range of a group of one picture data. Cons Could be Should be used for difficult to grouped data that explain to has a spread, e.g. others total number of appointments for those discharged in a month. Scatter A scatter plot Pros plot displays all data as Shows all data single points. points, including outliers Should be used for Can highlight two sets of correlation numerical data, e.g. Cons total number of Interpretation appointments in can be care pathway and subjective change in CORE net Correlation score does not mean causation Line Chart A line chart plots Pros data in order and Shows all data joins them with a points line. Is simple to look at Should be used for Can show data over time, e.g. multiple data number of follow sets ups per patient, in Cons order the patients Data must have were discharged. an order Run Chart A run chart is a line Pros chart plus the Easy to median for the data. interpret, with 4 easy rules to Should be used for look for data over time to Cons look for any Cannot be used changes, e.g. for unordered number of new categories referrals each week.
Any questions contact Alison Pickering on 0131 244 3284 or QuEST@scotland.gsi.gov.uk with the subject Data Presentation to ensure it gets to the right person, first time.