What is the process of using statistical methods to manage quality in healthcare called?

The process of using statistical methods to manage quality in healthcare is known as quality assurance. Quality assurance encompasses a systematic set of activities designed to determine if a product or service meets specific requirements. In healthcare, this involves the continuous monitoring and evaluation of care processes and outcomes to ensure that they meet established standards and improve over time.

Quality assurance often utilizes statistical methods to analyze data related to patient care, outcomes, and operational processes to identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining high standards of care and ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatment.

In contrast, while quality control is related to ensuring that the outputs meet the defined quality standards, it typically focuses on the latter stages of the process rather than the continuous improvement focus of quality assurance. Statistical analysis refers to the methodology used to analyze and interpret data, but it does not inherently imply the structured and systematic approach toward managing quality that quality assurance entails. Lastly, risk management involves identifying, assessing, and minimizing risks to patients and organizations but is not specifically focused on managing quality through statistical methods.