The Rate Stabilizing Tool (RST) is an ArcGIS-based tool that allows users to input their own record-level data to generate reliable, local-level age-standardized measures of chronic disease (e.g., prevalence, incidence, and mortality), or other population health outcomes. 

Bayesian modelling techniques are used to generate population health estimates and enable users to evaluate statistical uncertainty in the estimates. The RST is especially useful for estimating population health measures when the population, or number of events is small. 
More information on the RST can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/maps/gisx/rst.html  

We plan to provide a two part RST training for the April 21st and April 28th NAACCR Talks. During the training we will discuss the objectives and rationale of the RST, review data parameters that are important for use with the RST, and provide opportunities for participants to engage directly with RST.

Session 1: During this first session we will delve into the RST with a focus on inputting local level data into the RST.

Learning Objectives:

Introduce the Rate Stabilizing Tool (RST)

Understand the inputs and outputs of the RST

Gain experience downloading and installing and running the RST in ArcGIS Pro and or ArcMap

Session 2: In this second session we will review the RST’s output, including how to map and interpret the results. We will also explore strategies for fine tuning. 

Learning Objectives:

Develop an understanding of the RST outputs

Discuss and interpret the RST output, including the evaluation of rate differences and reliability

Gain experience mapping the RST and symbolizing output