Improvement Method Olympics Quarter Final 4

Posted by: NHS Horizons - Posted on:

  1. Statistical process control (tool)

Statistical process control (SPC) is an analytical technique that plots data over time. It helps us understand variation and in so doing guides us to take the most appropriate action. SPC is a good technique to use when implementing change as it tracks the impact of improvement interventions and enables you to understand whether changes you are making are resulting in improvement.

Example statistical process control chart from the Improvement Academy, Yorkshire and Humber

Graph showing proportion of patients in hospital at end of month who are male

Read more about statistical process control from NHS England and NHS Improvement

Additional resources for Statistical Process Control

NHS #PlottheDots resources, one and two. suggested by @jem2206

Control chart resources by IHI Open School, suggested by @AndrewBarraclo1

An introduction to the use of control charts by the NHS Institute and NHS South East Coast, suggested by @AndrewBarraclo1

Blogposts on SPC by InspGuilfoyle, one and two, suggested by @MLoebenberg

Join the NHS Making data count workspace group: https://future.nhs.uk/connect.ti/MDC/grouphome Suggested by @asmith6

2. Driver diagram (tool)

Driver diagrams are structured charts of three or more levels. They translate a high level improvement goal/aim into a logical set of high level factors (primary drivers) that you need to influence in order to achieve your goal. They also show the specific projects/activities that would act on these high level factors.

Driver diagram from the Welsh Ambulance Service

Graphic showing an example of a driver diagram

Read more about driver diagrams from NHS England and NHS Improvement

Additional resources for Driver diagrams

Building a driver diagram by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. Suggested by @mattwalshNDQ

Driver diagrams by East London NHS Foundation Trust

QI toolkit: driver diagrams by the West of England Academic Health Science Network

Defining and using aims and drivers for improvement: A how-to guide by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Learning and Diffusion Group. Suggested by @juliehn