Quality Control & Process Improvement Flashcards

Which quality improvement model uses the sequential steps of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control?

Answer: Six Sigma DMAIC

Six Sigma uses the DMAIC framework to systematically reduce process variation and defects.

A care manager notices that 20% of high-risk patients account for 80% of hospital readmissions. This observation reflects which principle?

Answer: Pareto principle

The Pareto principle (80/20 rule) holds that a small subset of causes typically drives the majority of outcomes.

Which tool is used to visually display the distribution and variation of a process measurement over time?

Answer: Control chart

Control charts plot data points over time to distinguish normal process variation from special-cause variation.

When conducting a root cause analysis after a medication error, which tool is most appropriate for identifying contributing factors?

Answer: Cause-and-effect (Ishikawa) diagram

The Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram categorizes potential root causes across domains like people, process, and environment.

In quality improvement, a 'benchmark' refers to:

Answer: A performance standard based on best-known practices

Benchmarking compares an organization's processes or outcomes to the best practices of high-performing peers.

Which of the following is an example of a process measure in care management quality improvement?

Answer: Percentage of patients who received a transition care call within 48 hours of discharge

Process measures assess whether specific steps in care delivery were performed, rather than the final outcome.

The concept of 'statistical process control' is best described as:

Answer: Using statistical methods to monitor and control process variation

Statistical process control uses data and statistical methods to monitor processes and identify variation that requires investigation.