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In group: Quality Management in Healthcare

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  • Thomas John Rose posted an update in the group Quality Management in Healthcare 1 day, 18 hours ago

    What about SPC? did you know that there are some pre-requisites for its effective use? If your answer is ‘yes’ please list them in a reply.

    • Hi Tom,

      Many Trusts have adopted SPC at the Board level (~80%), and the Making Data Count team trained 40,000+ people if I remember the numbers correctly. There are thousands who have converted to using it. While it isn’t widely spread at all levels, it’s definitely the right direction when we discussed with MDC earlier today.

      Have a look at this – I feel we’re heading in the right direction with the backing of NHS, regulators and gov agencies and NHSIMPACT etc… – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39237263/
      “Cluster randomised evaluation of a training intervention to increase the use of statistical process control charts for hospitals in England: Making Data Count”

    • I’ve asked a friend of mine, ChatGTP, three questions:

      1. Is SPC suitable for use in healthcare?
      2. What are the requirements for SPC to be effective? and
      3. Are these pre-requisites adhered to for healthcare processes?

      I got some interesting answers; I do take ChatGPT’s views with a pinch of salt never-the-less they are broadly in agreement with mine in this case!

      • Hi Tom,

        SPC is definitely suitable, but the challenge lies in raising awareness. As the saying goes, we don’t know what we don’t know, which is exactly why the MDC program exists.

        The question is, how can we spread the word using language that resonates with those we need to convert? Thinking about the diffusion of innovation, building a movement takes time—are we at the tipping point yet? While some parts of the system have embraced it, the vertical spread of knowledge within a system’s boundary presents a unique set of challenges.

        The same principle applies to management systems. Laying the groundwork is essential, and that’s where most of our time and energy should be focused. While the knowledge is out there, it’s not yet widely shared. The direction we’re heading is absolutely the right one 🙂

        Have a look at these guidelines newly published this week —they should help people adapt without reinventing the wheel:
        https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-insightful-provider-board/
        https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-insightful-icb-board/

      • Certainly good stuff Isabel but they miss the point. The point is that a pre-requisite to good Data Collection is Process Management. A pre-requisite to Process Management is Process Documentation and ‘performance in the Process. A pre-requisite to Process Documentation is understanding Process and System. The NHS do none of that.