Run charts allow us to understand
objectively if the changes we make to a process or
system over time lead to improvements and do so with
minimal mathematical complexity. This method of
analyzing and reporting data is of greater value to
improvement projects and teams than traditional
aggregate summary statistics that ignore time
order. Because of its utility and simplicity, the
run chart has wide potential application in
healthcare for practitioners and decision-makers.
Run charts also provide the foundation for more
sophisticated methods of analysis and learning such
as Shewhart (control) charts and planned
experimentation.