Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
E-Patient Counseling Trial E-PACO: Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Statistical Process Control (SPC) to drive improvement in length of stay after colorectal surgery
Deborah S Keller1, Thais Reif de Paula1, Guanying Yu1
1Division of Colorectal Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Background:
Novel quality improvement(QI) methods are needed to optimize healthcare costs and value. Our goal was to determine if Statistical Process Control(SPC), an industrial QI tool, could transform length of stay(LOS) into a process measure, identify outliers, and their impact on surgical outcomes.
Methods:
SPC was performed on an institutional colorectal resection database 1/1/13-5/1/2018 to identify outliers and compare outcome variables across outliers and non-outliers. Control charts analyzed the process performance of LOS over time. Control limits were set at ± 1 standard deviation(SD) from the mean. Measures were stable within these limits.
Results:
LOS was stable, with consistent annual rates and variation of outliers. Outliers had identifiable causes of variation that were significantly different from non-outliers(p < 0.05). The variation resulted in more complications, readmissions, and reoperations in outliers(p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
SPC can be applied to LOS, a stable process measure with decreasing variability over time, and easy outlier identification. Identifying outliers can facilitate targeted quality improvement.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:15Introduction to Statistical Process Control
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...