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Data and Data Sources
Jump To: How to Use Data | Data Sources | Print this Page (PDF)
Data can support QI initiatives by proving efficacy, showing opportunities for further growth, and illustrating changing needs. However, sometimes data can be intimidating: Why does it matter? How do we use it? How can we make the most of data?
| How to Find and Use Data |
It's important to ask yourself a number of questions before you start collecting data, to ensure you're collecting the right kind of data to meet your needs.
What story do you want to tell?
Think about these questions prior to collecting data:
- Would you like to describe the problem in a holistic manner, or highlight a specific component of the problem?
- Do you want to support a specific solution, or engage others in a collaborative decision-making process?
- Do you want to frame your story from the perspective of a certain person or population?
What kind of data can tell that story?
- Incremental data over time
- Point-in-time snapshot
- Exact measures, averages, or ranges
How can you use data to drive improvement?
The right data can help you:
- Identify the problem
- Define the problem
- Communicate the scope, relevance, and importance of the problem
- Devise appropriate interventions for the problem
Tools for Data Collection
Many of the tools in the QI Toolbox can be used to collect and display data. You and your organization can collect data on a large or small scale using these tools, or you can visit a data source with information on a much larger scale.
- More Information: QI Toolbox
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| Minnesota Data Sources |
| Minnesota Public Health Data Access Provides Minnesota data about health, the environment, and other risk factors that may impact public health |
| Minnesota Community Measurement Provides information on health care delivery at many levels, as well as information on reimbursement levels |
| Minnesota Guide to Data Indicators for County Health Assessments (PDF: 159KB / 16 pages) Provides counties with questions to consider when collecting and analyzing data, a list of selected indicators, links to the indicator's website, and data sources for other indicators. |
| Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) Provides data to assist in preventing disease through immunization |
| Minnesota Center for Health Statistics Provides data on state- and county-level public health measures |
| Federal Data Sources |
| CDC: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Tracks health conditions and risk behaviors, at varying levels |
| CDC Wonder Provides an ad-hoc query system for many facets of public health data |
| Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Measures performance on dimensions of care and service; tracked by health plans |
| Kaiser Family Foundation: State Health Facts Allows state-by-state comparison of demographics, health status, insurance coverage, public program participation, and more |
| SHADAC Data Center Provides information on health insurance coverage at the state and national level |
| National Immunization Survey Provides information on levels of immunization among children/teens |
| HealthData.gov Collection of data sets on public health and health care |
| US Census Provides demographic data on individuals, households, and business/industry |
Please note: Some of these links are not affiliated with or directly endorsed by MDH.
