National Health Service (NHS) trust boards adopt statistical process control reporting: the impact of the Making Data Count Training Programme

Background Red, amber, green (RAG) reports persist as the tool most commonly used by NHS trust boards to understand performance and gain assurance, despite statistical process control (SPC) being a more reliable way of presenting data over time. The aim this study is report board members’ feedback on an educational intervention focusing use SPC in reports, review presence charts explore experience behavioural changes their or fellow members following intervention. Methods A 90-minute training session SPC—Making Data Count—was delivered 61 between November 2017 July 2019. This paper describes approach taken with enable them limitations RAG benefits using analyses extent which Making Count has led adopting SPC. provides quantitative analysis increase across participating boards, summaries from evaluation forms qualitative reflections seven senior leaders four who consented participate post-training interviews independent evaluator. Results During period covered study, 583 participants provided feedback. 99% respondents agreed that was good 97% event would enhance ability make decisions. papers trusts prior revealed 72% contained 0–5 charts. same trusts’ 6–12 months after significant 85% containing minimum six Conclusion education increased had some self-reported impact individual collective members, including reducing amount time wasted discussing insignificant providing clearer focus those issues requiring attention. Further research required see if immediate sustained identify key enablers barriers organisational adoption NHS.