The rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) has decreased following recent practice changes.

To communicate that CAUTI rates decreased after practice changes, the best tool is a run chart, which displays a measure over time and helps determine whether observed changes represent real improvement rather than random variation. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) describes run charts as graphs of data over time and emphasizes that improvement and sustainability are demonstrated by observing patterns and shifts over time.

Run charts are especially appropriate for infection prevention metrics because they allow a Quality Committee to see: (1) the baseline period before interventions, (2) the timing of practice changes, and (3) whether there is a sustained downward trend or “shift” in CAUTI rates. Patient safety measurement guidance likewise notes that run charts are a standard quality tool to display trends in patient-safety measures over time and evaluate whether process changes are leading to improvement.

By contrast, an affinity diagram organizes ideas/themes, and fishbone diagrams and root cause analyses are primarily for analyzing causes of a problem—not for clearly presenting a time-based improvement result to leadership. A run chart is therefore the most appropriate communication method.