Abstract

Cumulative Sum Analysis: A Simple And Practical Tool For Monitoring And Auditing Clinical Performance

Luc Noyez

Abstract Monitoring daily performance, identification of decrease of performance and evaluation of improvement actions are three essential point in quality evaluation and clinical auditing. The cumulative sum analysis, charts (CUSUM) based on sequential monitoring of cumulative performance over a time period, results in a real-time monitoring of performance. An important benefit of CUSUM analysis is that this analysis is able to identify subtle, slow, sustained degradation in a process thought to be under control. Beside the principle of CUSUM analysis, two examples how CUSUM analysis can be used in daily practice are presented. Because of the simplicity to perform this analysis and the clear insight of the charts this method can widespread be used.