Related Experiment Videos
Using statistical process control charts for the continual improvement of asthma care.
P B Boggs1, F Hayati, W F Washburne
1Asthma 2000 Group, Shreveport, LA, USA. AhhChooPB@aol.com
The Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement
|May 6, 1999
Summary
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) control charts improve asthma management by analyzing lung function variation. This method offers better insights than traditional charts for patients and physicians.
Area of Science:
- Asthma management
- Statistical process control
- System dynamics
Background:
- Home monitoring of lung function using peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is recommended but underutilized.
- Traditional run charts for PEFR lack patient and physician engagement.
- Statistical process control (SPC) offers a novel approach to serial lung function monitoring in asthma care.
Observation:
- PEFR control charts were applied to four asthma patients.
- The charts help optimize lung function by reducing variation in serial measurements.
- Identifying variation types (special or common cause) aids clinical decision-making.
Findings:
- Control charts revealed a patient's high risk for severe asthma at baseline (46% personal best).
- A new inhaled corticosteroid improved PEFR, shifting the range from 46%-72% to 78%-102% personal best.
- This shift indicated the care system was no longer at risk for severe asthma outcomes.
Implications:
- PEFR control charts integrate serial measurement knowledge with variation analysis for better asthma care assessment.
- This method provides enhanced clinical insights and practical knowledge compared to traditional PEFR charting.
- Challenging traditional models and incorporating system thinking improves home-based asthma monitoring.