Which data visualization helps monitor process stability and identify shifts in CDI measures over time?

• A. Pareto charts
• B. Scatter plots
• C. Control charts
• D. Bar charts

Answer: (C)

Control charts are used to monitor process stability by plotting data in chronological order and comparing it to a central tendency with upper and lower control limits. They reveal whether variation is random or if there are shifts or trends that point to assignable causes. When data stay within control limits and show only random fluctuation, the process is considered in control; when a point crosses a limit or a nonrandom pattern emerges, it signals a potential shift needing investigation. In CDI metrics, this lets you watch measures like coding accuracy or query turnaround over time and detect when performance changes, so you can explore underlying factors and take action. Pareto charts highlight the most frequent categories, not time-based stability; scatter plots show relationships between two variables; bar charts compare values across categories—none are designed to track a metric’s stability over time.