Run Chart


What is it?

A run chart is a tool to visualise data over time and is used to determine what type of variation is found in a data set. 

 
 

Why use it?

It is extremely valuable to visualise data over time, especially when doing Quality Improvement. It is also very important at each stage of a QI project to be able to differentiate between random variation and non-random variation.

How to use it?

Run charts are simple to construct and are essentially a line chart with the median of the data set also displayed.

However, we have developed a template that allows you to do this more easily than creating your own template or using other software.

The Run Chart Template is available here. A video guide on how to use the template is available on the Template Introduction page.

More information

More detail on run charts: Rocco Perla’s paper

NHS Lothian Guidance on analysis of SPC and Run Charts