Applications of statistical process control in health care.
Statistical process control (SPC), most commonly applied in manufacturing industries, will be demonstrated to have applicability in health care. In particular, the use of a patient classification system such as DRGs that identify hospital end products can assist in the use of SPC and process improvement. An overview of SPC is given, followed by two case studies presented to demonstrate the use of SPC. Lastly, some ideas on teaching SPC to health care workers are outlined.
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
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Atkinson
D001315:Australia; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016507:Cardiology Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D017046:Cost Savings; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011247:Pregnancy; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000458:organization & administration*