descriptive data it can sometimes be difficult to determine if observed changes are truly due to performance change or are due to chance. Key considerations are described in Table 4 below. 4: Considerations for analysing data What is it? Why use it? Considerations Intermittent indicator data collection Statistical When data have been Consider statistical analysis Statistical advice may be required to analysis collected randomly if: determine the correct statistical tests. 16, 36, according to a calculated you need to from the This is a useful method to consider sample size and a valid sample to the whole for overall program evaluation.26 biostatistical calculation population See examples in Box 4. performed, the results can you need assurance the be generalised from the results are representative sample to the whole of the population population. it is a requirement of key stakeholders. Continuous indicator data collection Statistical process control Considerations as per Effective use of SPC requires training (SPC) is used to determine intermittent indicator and a commitment to ongoing and if a process is stable or if data collection. repeated data collection and feedback. an intervention has led to To be most helpful in assessing Benefits include: improvement or meaningful processes of care, SPC requires identification of type of change. Data are displayed collection of at least 10 data points variation present – graphically using run or before the results can be analysed. common cause or special control charts and this is cause variation Subject matter expertise is required to assessed using defined determine if improvements are determination if rules. A control chart clinically significant. improvements are template has a centre-line statistically significant. A resource that may be helpful is the (the mean), as well as Institute of Healthcare Improvement upper and lower control Improvement Tracker: limits. Figure 4 is an example of a control chart. See examples in Box 4. Table 4 continued overleaf Table 4: Considerations for analysing data (continued) Intermittent and continuous indicator data collection Descriptive analysis Data plotted as a bar Consider descriptive analysis This approach can be useful for or as a line graph provides if providing feedback to stakeholders a descriptive display of during cycle quality are resource and results. improvement activities. practical difficulties in statistical analysis These methods are widely It can be difficult to determine if any
descriptive data it can sometimes be difficult to determine if observed changes are truly due to performance change or are due to chance. Key considerations are described in Table 4 below. 4: Considerations for analysing data What is it? Why use it? Considerations Statistical analysis 16, 36, Intermittent indicator data collection When data have been collected randomly according to a calculated sample size and a valid biostatistical calculation performed, the results can be generalised from the sample to the whole population. Consider statistical analysis if: you need to from the sample to the whole population you need assurance the results are representative of the population it is a requirement of key stakeholders. Statistical advice may be required to determine the correct statistical tests. This is a useful method to consider for overall program evaluation.26 See examples in Box 4. Continuous indicator data collection Statistical process control (SPC) is used to determine if a process is stable or if an intervention has led to improvement or meaningful change. Data are displayed graphically using run or control charts and this is assessed using defined rules. A control chart template has a centre-line (the mean), as well as upper and lower control limits. Figure 4 is an example of a control chart. Considerations as per intermittent indicator data collection. Benefits include: identification of type of variation present – common cause or special cause variation determination if improvements are statistically significant. Effective use of SPC requires training and a commitment to ongoing and repeated data collection and feedback. To be most helpful in assessing processes of care, SPC requires collection of at least 10 data points before the results can be analysed. Subject matter expertise is required to determine if improvements are clinically significant. A resource that may be helpful is the Institute of Healthcare Improvement Improvement Tracker: See examples in Box 4. Table 4 continued overleaf Table 4: Considerations for analysing data (continued) Descriptive analysis Intermittent and continuous indicator data collection Data plotted as a bar or as a line graph provides a descriptive display of results. These methods are widely Consider descriptive analysis if are resource and practical difficulties in statistical analysis This approach can be useful for providing feedback to stakeholders during cycle quality improvement activities. It can be difficult to determine if any
SAQ127_National_QUM_Indicators_V14.docx