Table 1 Components of the data visualization

Exchange efforts – build relationships among researchers and research users who have shared interests

1. Multisectoral collaborations and consolidated efforts enhance information exchange

Need for multisectoral collaboration and communication between data generators and users to produce data, foster data use and inform health policy; more interlinkages and exchange needed between GBD collaborators, which include policy-makers, analysts and other data users; researchers need to explain data effectively so wider audience can understand in order to facilitate exchange, otherwise meaning of information will be lost; bringing people together e.g. conferences or trainings valued as helpful and important; gaps seen between academia and public health realms, which can be bridged by collaboration; collaborations between departments, such as Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education seen as crucial to make best policy; barriers include lacking time and resources to facilitate these partnerships

Efforts to facilitate user pull – relevant information optimally packaged

2. Interactive nature of data visualization tools facilitates data use, accessibility and understandability

Data visualization tools engage users and their audiences with interactive nature and ease of use, making data more useful; eye-catching aspect of visualizations makes impact by grasping users’ attention

3. The GBD Compare tool offers a variety of functions meeting the user’ needs

GBD tools facilitate the comparison between countries and counties over time and DALYs; GBD tools provide subnational level data and show risk factors; GBD identifies gaps in data and can help to target areas that need further attention; use data visualization tools for quick access to and delivery of data

4. Complexity of using GBD Compare can inhibit data access and use

GBD Compare requires regular use to understand and maximize utilization; users report more guidance and training needed to use GBD Compare as insufficient user understanding of GBD Compare is limiting

5. Missing functionalities and technical difficulties of GBD visualization tools limit usability

Lacking ability to look at all causes of disease and customization functions in tools, such as saving previous searches; GBD tools lacking subnational level data for certain countries; difficulty downloading SDG charts; need to repeatedly run searches as may not work first time; GBD tools not compatible with all browsers; GBD tools need to be adjusted and updated

6. User engagement enhanced with GBD oversight team

GBD oversight team of deputy directors-general provides technical and/or policy assistance to both policymakers and researchers on GBD Compare, which aids in maximization of tool use; importance of GBD advisory entities highlighted by users

7. GBD methodology education and training yields more buy-in and engagement

Need to increase GBD engagement at local level in settings where users lack buy-in, knowledge and/or methodology as increased buy-in once benefits of GBD seen

8. Increased guidance and recommendations needed from IHME on how to use GBD data in policy

More guidance requested as lacking explanation for global patterns and recommendations for potential policies that could be implemented, such as examples of successful policy interventions for certain diseases e.g. meta-analysis

Push efforts – identify actionable messages

9. Data visualizations utilized as means to communicate data

Use data visualization to better understand data by quickly, uniquely and clearly conveying information; visualizations prompt action and support policy recommendations to stakeholders by grabbing their attention and illustrating data

10. Data visualization tools act as valuable complementary source in coordination with local tools and/or systems

Data visualization tools identify and fill gaps in local information or data; GBD tools used with other methods, such as coding, when local data not available

Production of research – priority-setting processes

11. Transparency and consistency of data sources needs to be maintained

Users highly value and appreciate transparency of data sources as data is more trustworthy; discrepancies between GBD and local data and within GBD data cause confusion and distrust among users so less willing to use data

General climate – support and value placed on linking research to action

12. Adequate awareness, resources and time should be devoted to KT efforts as KT acts as catalyst for production of evidence that informs and supports policy recommendations

Insufficient time, awareness and/or resources contribute to less effective KT; KT should be prioritized among many factors and competing needs involved in decision-making as more likely to result in action; funding contingent on quality of researchers’ KT plan incentivizes prioritization of KT; KT valued as important process leading to informed decisions and make stronger policy recommendations; KT important in facilitation of evidence accessibility and understandability; throughout data generation, consider KT to provide better information

13. Overall lacking buy-in and awareness of GBD and data visualization tools from country leadership can lead to minimal utilization

GBD and/or data visualization not known, incorporated or used by policy-makers in some settings as certain country leaders resistant to using outside data and skeptical of GBD estimates, particularly in lower income countries; leadership attitudes or unawareness negatively affects user interest

Data use

14. GBD data used to forecast, plan and prioritize health policy

GBD data used to predict future needs and prioritize resources accordingly; GBD data perceived as important part of informing decisions, policymakers and public and ultimately eliciting change; data used to monitor and track progress over time and justify resource allocation and funding

15. Facilitate and improve accountability; track and monitor progress and trends over time and between countries

Comparison between countries illuminates gaps and thus triggers action; GBD results inform and discern patterns within and among countries