Visual Analytic Tools and Techniques in Population Health and Health Services Research: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Abstract

BackgroundVisual analytics (VA) promotes the understanding of data using visual, interactive techniques and using analytic and visual engines. The analytic engine includes machine learning and other automated techniques, whereas common visual outputs include flow maps and spatiotemporal hotspots for studying service gaps and disease distribution. The principal objective of this scoping review is to examine the state of science on VA and the various tools, strategies, and frameworks used in population health and health services research (HSR).ObjectiveThe purpose of this scoping review is to develop an overarching global view of established techniques, frameworks, and methods of VA in population health and HSR. The main objectives are to explore, map, and synthesize the literature related to VA in its application to the two main focus areas of health care.MethodsWe will use established scoping review methods to meet the study objective. As the use of the term visual analytics is inconsistent, one of the major challenges was operationalizing the concepts for developing the search strategy, based on the three main concepts of population health, HSR, and VA. We included peer reviewed and grey literature sources from 2005 till March 2019 in the search. Independent teams of researchers will screen the titles, abstracts and full text articles, whereas an independent researcher will arbiter conflicts. Data will be abstracted and presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and explanation by two independent researchers.ResultsAs of late August 2019, the scoping review is in the full-text screening stage. Data synthesis will follow and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2019. In this protocol, the methods for undertaking this scoping review are detailed. We present how we operationalized the varied concepts of population health, health services, and VA. The main results of the scoping review will synthesize peer reviewed and grey literature sources on the main methods of VA in the interrelated fields of population health and health services research from January 2005 till March 2019.ConclusionsVA is being increasingly used and integrated with emerging technologies to support decision making using large data sets. This scoping review of the VA tools, strategies, and frameworks applied to population health and health services aims to increase awareness of this approach for uptake by decision makers working within and toward developing learning health systems globally.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/14019

Visual Analytic Tools and Techniques in Population Health and Health Services Research: Scoping Review

“…The study protocol was previously published, detailing the search strategy and methods [ 21 ]. We primarily followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines on scoping reviews [ 22 ] and the framework by Arksey and O’Malley for conducting scoping reviews [ 23 ], with improvements suggested by Levac et al [ 24 ] and Peters et al [ 25 ] for conceptualizing the population, concepts, and context of the study, especially given the context of a methods-based review.…”

Policy-makers’ views on translating burden of disease estimates in health policies: bridging the gap through data visualization

“…A substantial body of literature confirms that KT processes build important bridges between evidence and practice, inter alia through co-creation process and the involvement of all relevant actors, from differing backgrounds [21]. These results build on existing evidence of the literature on data visualization and KT, such as assertions that data visualization's interactive nature allows decision-makers to explore data from various perspectives [22]. Scholars have highlighted how visualizations can help users (e.g.…”

“…Scholars have highlighted how visualizations can help users (e.g. policy officers presenting data and information) explore, analyze and communicate results from complex big data in health [22], and can be used to convey a larger story or narrative in a stimulating and more effective way than text alone [23].…”

“…In Kenya, a majority of health facilities are still operated by faithbased organizations and non-governmental organizations, data remains scarce and KT is not prioritized [30]. In contrast, policy-makers in HICs have a wealth of data, resources and they integrate KT and GBD data in their policy-making process [21,22]. While some participants noted attributing high importance to KT and use of data visualization, they also encountered hindrances such as lacking resources, particularly in LMICs.…”

Experts’ perceptions on the use of visual analytics for complex mental healthcare planning: an exploratory study

“…Examples include a cohort clustering analysis using disk-like visualisation in public healthcare [6], and an associative service pattern analysis using grid map visualisation in mental healthcare [7]. However, a lack of understanding, availability, development, and application of visual analytics methods answering complex questions persists in the process of evidence development and decisionmaking [8,9].…”