*TS: Tracer Methodology 101: Data Use System Tracer in a Large Nursing Facility[®]  [Pearl: JCSC, PI] The Source, April 2014, Vol 12, #4, Pg 4  JCs1404_B4

Although this month’s tracer scenario is located in a nursing facility, the Data Use System Tracer is common to all hospitals.  As such the sample questions and Tracer Worksheet are reasonably relevant.  The article also advises that organizations ensure that improvements are truly sustained (e.g., by using the ‘8 dot’ rule) before labeling them a success and/or discontinuing related monitoring and evaluation efforts. Sample questions might include:

• How do you prioritize improvement opportunities?
• How are you monitoring sustained improvements?
• Can you give a recent example of a performance improvement activity?
  

Tip: As always, we recommend collecting the included Tracer Worksheet and sample questions for use in Mock Tracers.