Using data visualization to detect patterns in whole-person health data.
Robin R Austin, Michelle A Mathiason, Karen A Monsen
PMID 35717597WHAT IT FOUND
Older adults averaged 19.8 strengths on a 42-concept health assessment and 1.4 needs.
Those with 21 to 30 strengths reported more needs than other groups. The analysis found patterns, but no care outcome was tested.
Key findings
01Adults aged 65 and older averaged 19.8 ± 14.4 strengths and 1.4 ± 3.3 needs.
02The most frequent challenges for adults 65 and older were sleeping (75%), circulation (66.7%), moving (51.2%), vision (47.6%), nutrition (46.4%), exercising (38.1%), and kidneys/bladder (36.9%).
03Among older adults grouped by number of strengths, those with 21-30 strengths reported more needs than the other three groups.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Respondents were self-selected state fair attendees, and the authors said they tended to be healthy with several strengths, so this may not represent older adults in clinics. The analysis focused on 84 adults aged 65 and older, which is a small sample for detecting patterns. The authors said the results are not generalizable. The patterns were found and tested in the same dataset, so they need testing in other datasets. The study did not test any treatment, care process, or patient outcome.
Declared interests
The authors report no conflict of interest. The supplied metadata indicates research support from non-U.S. government and NIH extramural sources; the article text does not name a funder.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat these supported patterns as proof that data visualization improves care or that older adults with many strengths have fewer needs. The sample was 84 self-selected older adults at a state fair, the authors said results are not generalizable, and no care outcome was tested.