The Analysis for Healthcare Improvement: Mini Series
The Analysis for Healthcare Improvement video series is comprised of mini-modules, created for the Methods and Analysis Course. The videos are available below, and the content and associated materials for each are presented and/or referenced.
Improvement Measurement Basics
Video Description
Approximate Length: 15 minutes
This mini module provides an introduction to measurement for improvement. The module reviews basic measurement frameworks and demonstrates the distinction between a conceptual definition and operational definition for improvement measures.
Introduction to Variation & Run Charts
Video Description
Approximate Length: 14 minutes
An introduction to variation and run charts for healthcare improvement:
Variation – Understanding variation is a core concept in healthcare improvement. This mini-module reviews the differences between Special Cause Variation and Common Cause Variation.
Run Charts – Run charts are a foundational tool for analyzing time-ordered data in healthcare improvement work. Although the charts are simple, they provide one of the fastest and most economical approaches for analyzing data over time. This mini-module reviews how to analyze run charts in order to identify Special Cause and Common Cause Variations.
Core Competencies
At the end of this mini-module, learners should be able to:
- Describe the differences between Special Cause Variation and Common Cause Variation.
- Define probability-based rules for the analysis of Run Charts.
Related Publications
Introduction to Statistical Process Control – XmR and P Charts
Video Description
Approximate Length: 22 minutes
An introduction to statistical process control (SPC). Statistical process control is a powerful tool that enables healthcare improvement teams to understand the stability of (or variation in) prior system performance, as well as to predict future performance.
There are a number of statistical process control charts available, and the type of statistical process control chart to use depends on the type of data being analyzed. This mini-module focuses on two of the most common types of statistical process control charts used in healthcare improvement: XmR Chart (or I Chart) and P Chart.
Core Competencies
At the end of this mini-module, learners should be able to:
- Define the rules for detecting Special Cause Variation signals in statistical process control charts.
- Determine the appropriate type of statistical process control chart to use, based on data characteristics.
- Interpret an XmR Chart.
- Interpret a P Chart.
Related Publications
Statistical Process Control – Variable Data: X Bar and S Chart
Video Description
Approximate Length: 11 minutes
An introduction to the X Bar S Chart, a statistical process control chart for variable (continuous) data, which is used when there is more than one observation per data point.
Core Competencies
At the end of this mini-module, learners should be able to:
- Determine the appropriate type of statistical process control chart to use for Variable Data.
- Describe an X Bar and S Chart.
Related Publications
Statistical Process Control - Attribute Data: C and U Charts
Video Description
Approximate Length: 10 minutes
An overview of statistical process control charts for attribute data (includes count and classification data). This mini-module reviews the C Chart and U Chart.
Core Competencies
At the end of this mini-module, learners should be able to:
- Determine the appropriate type of statistical process control chart to use for Attribute Data.
- Describe the C Chart.
- Describe the U Chart.
Related Publications
Statistical Process Control – Rare Events: G Chart and T Chart
Video Description
Approximate Length: 9 minutes
An overview of statistical process control (SPC) charts for rare events, specifically reviewing the G Chart and T Chart.
Core Competencies
At the end of this mini-module, learners should be able to:
- Determine when to use a Rare Events statistical process control analysis.
- Create and technically interpret Rare Events statistical process control analyses (G Chart and T Chart).
- Advise on appropriate improvement actions based on the results from Rare Events statistical process control analyses.
Related Publications
VA Quality Scholars: Fixed and Split Limits Analyses in Statistical Process Control
Video Description
Approximate Length: 25 minutes