CHAPTER 3
UNDERSTANDING VARIATION USING RUN CHARTS
INTRODUCTION
The run chart is a “universal tool” for virtually every improvement project. Run charts are easy to construct and interpret, yet so versatile that health care can make widespread use of them. This chapter introduces the many functions of this valuable tool. From this reading you will gain insights into: what a run chart is; how to make a great run chart; when to start a run chart; how to interpret a run chart; the many effective ways to display data with a run chart including the Family of Measures (FOM) multichart, displaying rare events data and more; and cautions and special uses for run charts.
WHAT IS A RUN CHART?
A run chart is a graphical display of data plotted in some type ...
