Abstract
BackgroundGraphical representation of data is one of the most easily comprehended forms of explanation. The current study describes a simple visualization tool which may allow greater understanding of medical and epidemiological data.MethodWe propose a simple tool for visualization of data, known as a “quilt plot”, that provides an alternative to presenting large volumes of data as frequency tables. Data from the Australian Needle and Syringe Program survey are used to illustrate “quilt plots”.ConclusionVisualization of large volumes of data using “quilt plots” enhances interpretation of medical and epidemiological data. Such intuitive presentations are particularly useful for the rapid assessment of problems in the data which cannot be readily identified by manual review. We recommend that, where possible, “quilt plots” be used along with traditional quantitative assessments of the data as an explanatory data analysis tool.
Highlights
Clinical and epidemiological studies frequently collect data on periodically measured characteristics to identify and better understand patterns and trends in risk factors over time in order to target higher risk populations and/or investigate the impact of public health interventions [1,2]
The study population was comprised of people who inject drugs (PWID), a group who are engaged in an illegal activity
The ANSPS is an annually repeated cross-sectional sero survey of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence and associated risk behaviour conducted among PWID attending needle and syringe programs (NSP)
Summary
Clinical and epidemiological studies frequently collect data on periodically measured characteristics to identify and better understand patterns and trends in risk factors over time in order to target higher risk populations and/or investigate the impact of public health interventions [1,2]. This large volume of information is typically summarized using numerous quantitative presentations such as frequency tables and other forms of descriptive statistics which require simultaneous comparisons of numbers such as frequencies and percentages in many cells. The current study describes a simple visualization tool which may allow greater understanding of medical and epidemiological data
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
