Chronic respiratory patient control by multivariate charts

Abstract

Purpose

This article seeks to explain how to monitor the chronic obstructive disease patient and control any complications so that timely treatment can be applied.

Design/methodology/approach

Control charts and statistical process control (SPC) theory were used on chronic respiratory patient follow‐up and control. Controlling several variables simultaneously, using univariate charts, can be misleading, more so when there are correlated variables, so multivariate and univariate control charts were studied.

Findings

One‐sided control charts are preferable when the aim is to detect changes in the mean solely in one direction. Thus, one‐sided, univariate and multivariate charts were built, which identified previously undetected out‐of‐control events.

Research limitations/implications

The study's main limitation is its retrospective nature. However, following‐up individual patients can highlight medical therapy effects.

Practical implications

The article concludes that control charts, in particular one‐sided ones, are a valuable tool for monitoring chronic respiratory patients, thus contributing to medical decision making.

Originality/value

The article highlights control chart application to chronic respiratory patient follow‐up, permitting a global view of patient evolution over time.

Citation

Correia, F., Nêveda, R. and Oliveira, P. (2011), "Chronic respiratory patient control by multivariate charts", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 24 No. 8, pp. 621-643. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526861111174198