Converting data into information

Transforming data into information is a challenge to all professionals working in the quality arena. Reams of data do not provide the answers being sought to challenging questions. Several continuous quality improvement tools, including run charts, control charts, and Pareto charts, can be used to visually display data and provide further ideas for analysis. This article describes in detail when to use these tools and how to construct and use them. Examples from hospital settings further illustrate their benefit in converting data to information.