Mastering Statistical Process Control Charts in Healthcare: A practical, hands-on, step-by-step guide for data scientists using R

Statistical Process Control for Healthcare is a practical, hands-on guide to understanding and applying Statistical Process Control (SPC) in healthcare. Written for both newbies and knowbies—those completely new to SPC as well as experienced practitioners seeking a deeper understanding—it combines clear explanations with real-world healthcare examples, practical guidance, and a companion website (spc4hc.org/) where you can explore the book before you buy.

Drawing on decades of experience in healthcare improvement, Dr Jacob Anhøj and Professor Mohammed A Mohammed explain how run charts, control charts, and related methods can be used to distinguish signal from noise, evaluate interventions, and support better decision-making. The book bridges theory and practice, helping readers avoid common analytical pitfalls while building confidence in analysing data over time.

Topics include:

• Understanding variation in healthcare systems

• Run charts and control charts

• Detecting meaningful change

• Choosing the right SPC chart

• Interpreting charts correctly

• Common mistakes and misconceptions

• Practical implementation using R

• Using SPC to support quality improvement and operational decision-making

Whether you are an analyst, clinician, manager, researcher, student, or improvement practitioner, this book provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to move beyond static performance reporting and use data to drive learning, improvement, and better patient care.