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Transformative change requires statistical evidence

Tom Downes
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7861/futurehosp.5-2-144a
Future Healthc J June 2018
Tom Downes
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
Roles: Clinical lead for quality improvement
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Editor – With the ubiquitous use of smart phone technology I welcome the introduction of technology that potentially improves access to the NHS for our patients. The paper by Bartlett et al provides an engaging description of the use of a smartphone-based platform aiming to improve ‘did not attend’ (DNA) rates.1

Complex systems vary over time so it is important that sufficient information is provided for the reader to be able to determine whether the DNA rates described in the paper simply changed over time or were improved. The application of a validated statistical framework such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) would allow differentiation between non-significant change and statistically significant improvement.2,3 In addition, by analysis of the temporal relationship between the intervention and improvement, correlation or causation can be determined.

It is important, as clinicians, that we apply the same statistical rigour to determine the benefit of innovative system technologies as we would to the use of a new medication or surgical technique.

Conflicts of interest

TD is on the editorial board of Future Healthcare Journal.

  • © Royal College of Physicians 2018. All rights reserved.

References

  1. ↵
    1. Bartlett M
    , Blazer S, Hobson G, Abbs I. The power of digital communications: improving outpatient attendances in south London. Future Healthcare Journal 2018;5:43–6.
    OpenUrl
  2. ↵
    1. Mohammed M
    . Using statistical process control to improve the quality of healthcare. Qual Saf Health Care 2004;13:243–5.
    OpenUrlFREE Full Text
  3. ↵
    1. Thor J
    , Lundberg J, Ask J, et al. Application of statistical process ­control in healthcare improvement: systematic review. Qual Saf Health Care 2007;16:387–99.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text
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Transformative change requires statistical evidence
Tom Downes
Future Healthc J Jun 2018, 5 (2) 144; DOI: 10.7861/futurehosp.5-2-144a

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Transformative change requires statistical evidence
Tom Downes
Future Healthc J Jun 2018, 5 (2) 144; DOI: 10.7861/futurehosp.5-2-144a
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