Statistical Process Control of Medical Record in Gharazi Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Utilization of information system in management is necessary. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is one of suggested tools in Quality management system. In this study, processes of medical record unit in Gharazi hospital (Isfahan) are studied using SPC tools. Methods: It is a descriptive, Retrospective and trend study which was carried out by assembling indicators for some processes in medical record unit from 2003 to 2008. After Library studies, suggested indicators by experts (for Process controlling) were collected through 2 checklists. For quantitative indicators of medical records evaluation, all admitted patients during study period and for time assessing about 1500 patients were chosen randomly. Data were analyzed using Excel software. Results: Findings showed that during study period, the average time for patient discharge order (by doctors) was at 9:54 a.m. and patients waiting time in discharge process decreased (with the average of 53 minutes). In quantitative evaluation of medical records deficits, accepted fault rate (or the base line) consumed as about 6%. Conclusion: Gharazi Hospital tries to control tolerance of its processes by using SPC tools and maintaining some internal standards as baselines. These baselines may be shared with other hospitals and help to produce national and regional standards. Keywords: Medical Records; Hospitals; Statistics; Patient Admission; Surveys; Performance Assessment.