Challenges and risks: Guidelines for health data and dashboards on Canada.ca

Aligning federal, provincial and territorial reporting

Data collected should be standardized as best as possible

Approval process

Define the level of approvals needed for your project (both program and strategic comms as needed)

Public appetite for new data and dashboards

Loop in digital communications early in the process to be in line with all web standards and plan accordingly

Putting data into context

Think about the story you would like to tell with your data. Defining the audience will help you to tell the right story. Ask yourself, “what is the user looking for,” or “how will the user use this page?”

Senior management demands

Evolving needs of decision makers and stakeholders can be challenging to anticipate, this can result in a change of scope and wasted time and effort. Through regular updates with senior management, you will be able to adjust timelines as demands come in. Ensure all updates to timelines are socialized with all stakeholders.

Sensitivities

Political sensitivities must be taken into account when publishing a data project. Ensure that management approvals are sought in advance of publication.

Prioritization of public health emergencies

Public heath emergencies must be prioritized. Ensure to update all other stakeholders should these emergencies affect their timelines.

Timelines

Establish timelines as early as possible and socialize with your management with regular updates. This will help to inform all involved should things go off course.

Compliance with all relevant GC web standards (including accessibility, official languages and other GC communications requirements)

Ensure that your project undergoes an accessibility review, an official language concurrence, and has been thoroughly quality assessed in advance of publication

Potential for inadequate program resources to maintain and update dashboard

Ensure resources are allocated at the outset of your project