Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for representing patient data, preferably in a clinical context. The system of the present invention generally includes a central computer having a database, wherein the database includes clinical data for a number of patients. The computer further includes a representation unit that is configured to select actionable data for each patient from that patient's clinical data. The actionable data is then processed and formatted such that it can be represented and readily conveyed to a user, such as for example an attending health care professional. The method of the present invention generally includes the steps of inputting clinical data regarding a patient into a selection algorithm, selecting actionable data from the clinical data, and representing a status of the patient in response to the actionable data.