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An emergency department trends wait times from patient arrival to physician assessment. Data are reported using a run chart. Which of the following demonstrates a true statistical increase in treatment delays?

6 consecutive ascending data points

In a run chart, a statistical increase in treatment delays is indicated by 6 consecutive ascending data points. This pattern shows a consistent trend of increasing wait times, which can suggest a real shift in performance rather than random variation. Monitoring such patterns can help healthcare organizations identify areas for improvement and take corrective actions to address delays in patient care. The other options (B, C, and D) do not depict a clear, sustained increase in treatment delays like the pattern described in option A.

7 consecutive descending data points

A zigzag pattern of 10 data points

Data points close to the mean line

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