Statistical process control
Quality Management
Definition. Statistical process control (SPC) uses run charts and control charts to distinguish common-cause variation, inherent in a stable process, from special-cause variation that signals a real change.
Explanation
SPC originated in manufacturing and was adapted to health care as a tool for both improvement and research (Benneyan et al., 2003). It allows teams to see whether a change has shifted performance without waiting for large before-and-after studies.
Typical health care uses include monitoring infection rates, waiting times and medication errors over time.
Related concepts
PDSA cycle Six Sigma Quality indicator Quality improvement
References
Benneyan, J. C., Lloyd, R. C., & Plsek, P. E. (2003). Statistical process control as a tool for research and healthcare improvement. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 12(6), 458–464. https://doi.org/10.1136/qhc.12.6.458
Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Statistical process control. In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/statistical-process-control/