¶ … Quality Improvement
Comparison of Graphical Tools used in Quality Improvement
Quality Improvement Tool Comparison Matrix
Quality Improvement Tool
Uses
Bar Graph (StatSoft, 2014a)
Values for a single variable is represented by bars or columns
Each bar represents a single case and the value of the variable (time, temperature, etc.…) is denoted by the Y-axis
Histogram (StatSoft, 2014b)
Graphical representation of a frequency distribution for a variable, with columns or bars representing the distribution of class intervals and the height of the columns representing the frequency of each class
Control Chart (StatSoft, 2014c; Trusko, Pexton, Harrington, & Gupta, 2007, p. 146-149)
Compares the means and ranges for a variable using two line charts, although vertical histograms can be incorporated into the chart as well to facilitate visualization of how much values are deviating from the expected norm
Bar graphs are seemingly ubiquitous, in part because of the inherent simplicity of the data representation. Bar graphs can be used to represent the value of a variable for each case in a series (StatSoft, 2014a). For example, a bar graph can be used to compare the performance values of healthcare quality...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now