title: Applying control charts to quality improvement.
abstract: This article reviews the definitions and principles that should guide the use of control charts in healthcare quality. Several examples from the literature are used to illustrate significant problems and issues in control chart construction.
authors.affiliation: Sigma Works, Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Finison
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Finison
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017721:Hospital Costs; D007255:Information Services; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D013996:Time and Motion Studies