Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping

A Part of the Q-DART Toolset

GIS mapping technology, which makes it possible to visualize data with a geographic component, is widely used in industry, but only recently has GIS mapping made inroads into the health field.

The Q-DART approach makes use of GIS mapping capabilities in new ways to address shortcomings in health care quality. Q-DART incorporates numerous pieces of information from a variety of sources into GIS mapping software. Input information includes racial/ethnic data indirectly estimated with the RAND method; health plan information such as any available directly reported racial/ethnic data, patient care data, etc.; and other accessible sociodemographic data (e.g., primary language) from sources such as the U.S Census Bureau. The primary output is a series of maps showing different levels of information that can help stakeholders quickly identify geographic areas or "hot spots" with characteristics that signify good opportunities for interventions. Even simple dot maps can inform interventions, for example, by showing a health plan where there are high concentrations of members with diabetes from a given racial or ethnic group who have not received recommended care. In addition to maps, output data can be generated in the form of graphs, charts, and statistical spreadsheets.