August 9th, 2011
By Charisse Franklin, MPH (c), RHIA
Have you ever wanted to present statistical data and were not sure what tool to use? Well, here is information about five types of tools that can be used for analysis.
Histogram: A histogram is a bar chart. Each bar in the chart contains mutually exclusive data. (The data will only “fit” in one bar on the graph). Histograms are easy to read at a glance due to the bar formation and show where highs and lows occur in the process.
Fishbone Diagram: A fishbone diagram is a cause and effect diagram. These diagrams are used to detail how a process currently occurs as well as its causes and effects on the outcome. These diagrams help identify problems in processes as well as where changes need to occur.
Run Chart: A run chart displays points on a graph that detail the performance of a measure over time. Run charts make it easy to identify trends and to determine how far above or below the median the metric is performing.
Control Chart: A control chart is very similar to a run chart and plots data performance over time. The difference is a control chart has an upper and a lower limit. It is expected that when you plot your performance data points they would fall between the upper and lower limits close to the mean indicating your performance is “in control.” If any of your data points fall outside of the upper or lower limits, that indicates a vast deviation that needs to be investigated and resolved. Control charts also allow you to identify and investigate apparent trends. For example, having eight or more data points on either side of the mean, or having six or more data points consistently increasing or decreasing indicates trends worth analyzing.
Scatter Diagram: A scatter diagram is also called a scattergram. This graph may demonstrate correlations between two variables. A scattergram is used to examine a hypothesis and demonstrate where relationships may exist.
Now that you know the difference in these five tools, go ahead and graph your quality improvement projects, demonstrating your exceptional service outcomes.
If you need assistance in understanding how to create a graph or would like additional information regarding quality processes, contact the Quality and Accreditation Department of your facility or find examples on the internet.