HSC Education Days
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
1-13-2021
Abstract
Yearly, the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine produces a Location Report that provides a statistical overview of current practice location for UNM-trained MDs practicing in New Mexico. However, the limited space of the printed report only allows a portion of UNM-trained MD data to be included. The distribution of this additional data proved difficult, sporadic, and even not-existent. To disseminate additional UNM-Trained MD data, I created an interactive Location Report in Excel that supplements the existing printed report by displaying further data and sub-divided information in a New Mexico heat-map. I customized spreadsheets and Visual Basic code in the common office software, Microsoft Excel, to produce an interactive New Mexico heat-map that displays a large variety of UNM-trained MD data available in the SOM Location Report database. As a result, I can not only provide a graphical view of UNM-trained MD information by New Mexico county, I can further sub-divide this data into demographic information such as gender, age, and ethnicity. I can use the generated images to provide a simulated dashboard online for quick access to information as the heat-map graphic is now a familiar casing for public information during the CoVid-19 Pandemic. Finally, the flexible method allows me to create heat-maps of any shape to convey information in a more digestible, compelling, and user-friendly format. Quick to implement and update, Excel heat-maps simulate dashboards that can distribute a large amount of data to a wide audience for a deeper understanding of UNM’s contribution to practicing physicians in New Mexico. Unfortunately, this method is limited in that data not dynamically populated – it must be hand-entered. Customizing standard office software to distribute a large amount data in a succinct format creates a low-cost alternative to dashboard-style displays.
Recommended Citation
Riera, Jamie. "Simulating a Dashboard - Programming an Excel Workbook to Provide an Interactive Custom-Shaped Heat-Map." (2021). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_ed_day/79
Comments
Poster presentation program - Including round tables by topics: Making the Most of Information Resources.
This poster was presented during the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Education Days.