Automated Interactive Reporting Using R

This two-day online workshop is designed for individuals eager to master automated interactive reporting using R, a powerful programming language recognised for its statistical computing and graphics capabilities. The workshop focuses on R fundamentals, data wrangling, visualisation, and advanced tools for automating reports and making them interactive.

Participants will engage in a fully online learning environment that blends instructional lectures, live coding demonstrations (My Turn), and hands-on practice sessions (Your Turn). The structure is dynamic, alternating between instructor-led implementations and participant practice, ensuring comprehensive understanding and skill-building.

Course structure

Day 1: Foundations of Data Wrangling and Visualisation

The first day is dedicated to building a strong foundation in R programming. It begins with a quick review and Q&A session regarding the pre-course slides that were provided beforehand. This allows participants to explore the basics of R, including essential syntax and core concepts. The first day’s emphasis will be placed on data wrangling techniques using the tidyverse package to clean and prepare data for analysis. Additionally, participants will learn data tabulation techniques using the gtsummary and gt packages, allowing them to summarise and present data in a clear and organised manner. The day will also cover fundamental and advanced visualisation techniques using ggplot2, enabling participants to create compelling visual representations of data. Finally, to complete the foundation for day 2, we will explore the automated generation of tables and plots for multiple CQRs. The first day is ideal for those new to R or those looking to solidify their foundational skills.

Day 2: Advanced Reporting and Interactive Applications

Building on the first day, the second day delves into more advanced topics, focusing on automating reports and creating interactive applications. Participants will learn how to utilise R Markdown for generating dynamic, high-quality reports that seamlessly integrate data analysis with narrative content. The day continues with an exploration of Shiny, where participants will be guided through the process of developing interactive web applications that allow users to engage with data dynamically. Advanced features of Shiny will be covered, including enhancing user experience and deployment of web dashboards. This day is tailored for professionals who have some experience with R and are looking to take their reporting and data visualisation skills to the next level.

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed to cater to a broad audience, from beginners to experienced professionals, who are interested in leveraging the power of R for automated and interactive reporting:

• Data Analysts and Scientists looking to enhance their reporting and data visualisation skills.
• Healthcare Professionals and Decision-Makers involved in evidence-based policy formulation who need to streamline their reporting processes.
• Researchers and Academics who use R and are interested in sharing their findings through dynamic, automated reports.
• Professionals in Clinical Quality Registries who aim to create dashboards and manage large-scale reporting tasks more efficiently.
• Students and Educators in fields such as statistics, computer science, public health, and health administration who wish to apply R programming skills to real-world data analysis and reporting.

The flexible structure of the workshop allows participants to choose the day(s) that best fit their experience level and learning objectives.

• Day 1 (Fundamentals): Ideal for beginners or those with limited experience in R. Participants will learn the basics of R programming, data wrangling, and visualisation techniques. This day provides a strong foundation for those new to R or those who wish to refresh their skills.
• Day 2 (Advanced Reporting and Applications): Tailored for professionals with prior experience in R who want to enhance their skills in automating reports and building interactive applications. The focus will be on R Markdown and Shiny, providing the tools necessary for creating sophisticated, dynamic reports and dashboards.

Pre-course materials and comprehensive resources

To ensure all participants are prepared, pre-course slides will be provided. These will guide attendees through R installation, environment setup, and basic R concepts, enabling immediate engagement from the start of the workshop.

Participants will receive comprehensive resources, including:

• Access to all workshop materials and code examples.
• Links to online resources and communities for continued learning and support.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be well-equipped to create dynamic, interactive reports and visualisations, streamlining the process of data analysis and communication in their professional roles.

Course facilitators