Introduction to Quality Improvement
Understanding Variation
The third component of Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge is Understanding Variation.
CBC Orders During Adult Medicine Encounters: Average and Deviations
Baseline test ordering showed variation in practice by physicians from 11% to 46% of patient encounters.
In May, 2014 data was shared with physicians.
Physicians respond well to data.
When comparing their performance with others, doctors will quickly learn to do the right thing, as in this case example of ordering (CBC) complete blood count tests during routine primary care visits.
“Without data to inform our delivery of care we… risk of squandering precious resources and mistreating our patients.”
Joe Jacobson, MD
Graph source: Dr. Scott Pugel, Kaiser Permanente SE, Atlanta