Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
14:49
Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Quality Control
Quality control is one of the three cyclical quality assurance activities that help keep a system under statistical control. Typical quality control activities include creating quality control charts, conducting proficiency testing, and documenting and archiving results.
Quality control helps track data, visualize trends, and identify variations, making it easier to detect deviations that may affect the accuracy of an analysis. One way to do this is by generating a quality control chart, which...
Quality control helps track data, visualize trends, and identify variations, making it easier to detect deviations that may affect the accuracy of an analysis. One way to do this is by generating a quality control chart, which...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
First, in...
01:15Introduction to Statistical Process Control
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a method used to monitor and control quality within processes, particularly in manufacturing and service delivery, by employing statistical methods. SPC aims to distinguish between natural (common cause) variation and variation due to specific changes or events (special cause), allowing for timely improvements and sustained quality. The control chart, a pivotal tool in SPC, visually displays data over time alongside a central line of upper and lower control...