Regular reviews of clinical variation data to investigate and reduce unwarranted variation are a requirement of the Clinical Governance Standard in the National Safety and Quality in Health Services Standards.
To implement Action 1.28, a health service organisation needs to collect data on its own clinical care processes or outcomes, and compare its performance to other services and/or evidence-based guidelines or clinical care standards.
The User Guide can support clinicians to use a clinical variation approach to align health care with patients’ needs and prevent harm, as well as focus on the most effective care and reduce unnecessary treatment.
Six-step approach to reviewing clinical variation
The User Guide presents a six-step approach to using clinical variation data to improve care. This format makes is easier to find the information you need. The steps are:
- Select priority areas for exploring variation
- Plan the project
- Measure and review your data
- Explore reasons for variation
- Act to improve care
- Monitor and report on impact of improvement activities.
Case studies put steps into action
Practical case studies showcase best practice and innovation in the review of clinical variation, across healthcare settings. They include topics ranging from hip fracture surgery, stroke, cardiac events and colonoscopy, as well as new case studies on perineal trauma in childbirth, reducing preterm and planned early term births and improving end-of-life care.
If you have a case study suggestion or would like more information, please email Atlas@safetyandquality.gov.au