Utilizing Data for Communication
Data communication is not just a luxury; it is essential! Otherwise, you might as well have not done the project at all.
Why Communicate Data?
You’ve done all the work to collect or gather the data. Now it’s time to communicate your data to others! Why do this? There are several good reasons:
- You cannot do everything yourself: None of us can accomplish great things on our own. You need to build on the expertise of others to utilize your data most effectively, and that can only be done through good data communication.
- You are not the only decision maker: Your data may give you great evidence for a new program or policy change in your state, but you will need the buy-in and support from other decision makers to implement them. You may need approval from your EMS director, buy-in from an advisory board, or support from other advocates in your field. If you use good data communication skills, you’ll be in a better position to rally the support of leaders and decision makers around you.
- You and your program will benefit: You never know how much good can come by a little extra effort you take to communicate data with others. With the right data and support, good things can happen for you; your data may stimulate new improvement ideas you hadn't considered before; maybe your program will be eligible for new funding or partnerships; perhaps your results will interest people that can help you down the road.
- You want to share the knowledge you’ve gained: Data is a valuable commodity, especially in the EMS world where data are often harder to come by than in other healthcare systems. There are probably dozens of other people in your state and elsewhere who would love to see your data, and all it takes is a simple website, fact sheet, or presentation to help get the word out. If you don’t share your data with others, who will?
- It’s a waste of time if you don’t! You’ve collected all that data! Don’t let it go to waste. Data communication is not just a luxury step; it is essential! Otherwise, no one will benefit from your work.
Step 1: Define Your Goal for Communicating >>
rev. 04-Aug-2022
National EMSC Data Analysis Resource Center
