DHA Quality Improvement & Audits 2

Question 1

In healthcare quality improvement, what is the purpose of a 'run chart' in tracking quality metrics over time?

Accepted Answer

To display data over time and identify trends, shifts, or unusual patterns in a process

Answer

To compare two groups in a randomized trial

Answer

To calculate the statistical significance of a quality intervention

Answer

To map patient flow through a department

Question 2

A hospital quality team is investigating a high rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) on a medical ward. Which quality improvement methodology uses the structured approach of 'Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control'?

Accepted Answer

Six Sigma DMAIC

Answer

Lean management

Answer

PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act)

Answer

Root Cause Analysis

Question 3

In the context of hospital accreditation, what does the abbreviation 'KPI' stand for and how is it used?

Accepted Answer

Key Performance Indicator — a measurable value demonstrating how effectively an organization is achieving key objectives

Answer

Knowledge Processing Indicator — a measure of staff education levels

Answer

Knowledge and Practice Initiative — an accreditation program for nurses

Answer

Known Patient Incidents — a reporting system for adverse events

Question 4

What is the difference between a 'prospective' and 'retrospective' clinical audit?

Accepted Answer

Prospective audit collects data on current/future practice in real time; retrospective audit reviews past records to assess past practice

Answer

Prospective audit is conducted in developed countries; retrospective in developing countries

Answer

Prospective audit costs more but provides no additional value

Answer

Retrospective audit is always more accurate than prospective audit

Question 5

A hospital wishes to reduce its surgical site infection (SSI) rate. They implement a bundle intervention (pre-op antibiotic timing, glucose control, normothermia, chlorhexidine wash). After 6 months, SSI rates fall significantly. To confirm this is a real improvement and not random variation, which statistical tool is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Statistical process control (SPC) chart with control limits

Answer

Descriptive statistics only (mean and standard deviation)

Answer

A case report describing one improved patient

Answer

Fisher's exact test for two proportions

Question 6

In the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) quality improvement cycle, what should happen in the 'Act' phase?

Accepted Answer

Decide to adopt, adapt, or abandon the change based on study results, then plan the next cycle

Answer

Collect initial baseline data on the problem

Answer

Implement the intervention on a small scale

Answer

Analyze data and compare results to predictions