Infographics in Public Health Andrew Harris Epidemiologist, HKPR District Health Unit Board of Health Presentation 20 November 2014

Dissemination of Public Health Information Annual Reports Technical Reports Presentations

Limitations Technical Reports –Bulky –Wordy –Lengthy Under-utilized Filler loaded Lost in translation

Descriptive Report

Just the Facts Seasonal influenza is a serious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and occurs in Canada every year, generally during late fall and the winter months. 10 to 20% of the population becomes infected with influenza each year –5-10% in adults –20-30% in children 20,000 hospitalizations related to influenza may occur 4,000 Canadians may die from pneumonia related to influenza

Public Health Ontario’s Ontario Health Profile

Benefits Get noticed –Visually appealing –Popular –Key messages conveyed quickly

Benefits Simple and Succinct –Technical reports remain available

Benefits Easier to understand –Increased likelihood of being used increased viewings vs reports –Pictures can convey messages more than words

Broader distribution –Easily faxed, posted at health centers, doctors’ offices –Easy to interpret Benefits

Increase awareness of Health Unit priorities and initiatives Benefits

Questions ?