An introduction to analysing quality improvement and assurance data

This guide sets out the basics of statistical data analysis and presentation for those involved in local clinical audit and improvement projects.

The guide is broken down into sections that detail the types of data that exist, various methods of statistical analysis, ways to present local data clearly, and guidance on sampling techniques. It aims to help those who are new to or unfamiliar with statistical data analysis and presentation, whether patients, patient representatives, staff or Board members.

This guide was previously published as An introduction to statistics in clinical audit and improvement. We worked with the National Quality Improvement (including Clinical Audit) Network NQICAN to update the guide in line with the Making Data Count publication and we have simplified explanations and provided additional examples.