Process Control Charts

Author(s):
Timothy L. Wiemken, PhD, MPH, CIC Assistant Professor of Medicine

Director, University of Louisville Hospital Epidemiology Program
Assistant Director of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Clinical and Translational Research Support Center
Louisville, KY

Robert R. Kelley, PhD Assistant Professor of Medicine

Assistant Director of Data Management and Analysis
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Clinical and Translational Research Support Center
Louisville, KY

Original Publication:
October 2, 2014
Declarations of Conflicts of Interest:
  • Timothy Wiemken serves on the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America guidelines committee, received grant funding from Clorox Healthcare, is on the speaker bureau for Sanofi Pasteur.

Abstract

Statistical process control should play a central role in all infection prevention programs. Unless one has sufficient training in statistical methods, collecting the correct data and generating appropriate graphics to summarize them can be difficult. Through proper data collection and critical analysis of control charts, the infection preventionist can detect abnormalities in infection rates quickly, which facilitates prompt changes to processes that will yield desirable outcomes.