Table 3.

Summary of different PRO data presentation formats

Graphical format	Summary	Healthcare professional preference
Tables with numerical data	Presentation of data in tables is considered more neutral and needing less explanation for interpreting the meaning of the data than when presented in graphs. Tables with large amounts of data may be perceived as cluttered and lacking visual clarity, making them difficult to read.31 34	± Mixed
Use of icons/pictographs	Most healthcare professionals find tables with icons to be insufficient and lacking transparency.31 33 This is the inverse to patients, who prefer such displays due to their simplicity.34	– Negative
Line graphs	Line graphs are the preferred approach for presenting individual patient PRO scores over time.6 11 24 33 35 55 However, if there are too many outcome variables, the line graph may become difficult to interpret.37 The recommended maximum number of lines that should be displayed within a single graph is four.24	+ Positive
Bar graph	Bar graphs are widely liked as they are clear and facilitate comparison.24 33 They can also easily include additional information (eg, CIs and descriptive labels). The use of CIs should be accompanied by a written explanation to facilitate interpretation of the data.31 To reduce confusion, the recommended maximum number of bars within a single graph should be six.24	+ Positive
Funnel plots	Funnel plots can provide a good overview, but also contain a lot of information. Those unfamiliar with funnel plots may find them confusing.31 34 37 As such, the use of funnel plots should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of how to be interpreted.	± Mixed
Caterpillar plots	Caterpillar plots are less familiar to healthcare professionals and patients than bar graphs.31 34 Though caterpillar plots are clearer than bar graphs containing CIs, and can facilitate rapid comparisons between larger amounts of groups.31 37	+ Positive
Spider plots or radar chart	Healthcare professionals who are unfamiliar with spider plots may find them confusing and lacking clarity.31 Spider plots also make displaying additional information such as CIs or statistical significance difficult.31	– Negative
Pie charts and stacked bar graphs	Pie charts and stacked bar graphs are both reasonable formats for presenting proportions visually, especially when there are big differences.11 37 Healthcare professionals are more accurate at interpreting stacked bar graphs compared with pie charts,37 while patients can interpret pie charts more accurately.2	+ Positive

PRO, patient-reported outcome.