* A scatter diagram is a graphic representation of the relationship between two variables12. It is used to test a theory that the two variables are related and to assess the strength, trend, and shape of that relationship2.
* A Pareto chart is a type of bar chart that shows the frequency or impact of different causes or problems in descending order, along with a line graph that shows the cumulative percentage of the total3. It is used to identify the most significant factors among a large number of potential causes or problems3.
* A control chart is a type of line chart that shows how a process changes over time, with upper and lower limits that indicate the range of acceptable variation4. It is used to monitor and control a process and to detect special causes of variation that may indicate problems or improvement opportunities4.
* A histogram is a type of bar chart that shows the frequency distribution of a single variable in a data set5. It is used to summarize and display the shape and spread of the data and to identify outliers or gaps5.
* Based on these definitions, the best tool to use for the outpatient medical clinic's purpose is a scatter diagram, as it can show whether there is a relationship between lack of available transportation and the number of times patients do not keep appointments, and how strong or weak that relationship is. The other tools are not suitable for this purpose, as they do not show the relationship between two variables. References: 1: Scatter Diagram | Digital Healthcare Research 2: Scatter Plot - Clinical Excellence Commission 3: Pareto Chart | Institute for Healthcare Improvement 4: Plotting basic control charts: tutorial notes for healthcare practitioners 5: Histogram | Institute for Healthcare Improvement

The question implies that the readmission data for the 2nd quarter has been reviewed, and specific units (e.g.,
2 South and 3 North) likely show higher readmission rates, prompting the need to identify improvement opportunities. Health data analytics involves using data to identify trends, prioritize areas of concern, and drive targeted interventions. Further analysis of specific units with elevated readmissions is a logical next step to uncover root causes.
Option A (Take no further action because the data is not definitive): This option is inappropriate, as quality professionals are expected to act on data trends, even if preliminary, to drive improvement. Waiting for
"definitive" data risks delaying interventions and contradicts CPHQ principles of proactive quality management.
Option B (Use a scattergram to look for an association between readmissions and unit): A scattergram (or scatter plot) is useful for exploring correlations between two variables (e.g., readmissions vs. staffing levels).
However, the question suggests the data already highlights specific units (2 South and 3 North), so a scattergram is less relevant than analyzing those units directly.
Option C (Further analyze 2 South and 3 North to determine possible causes): This is the most appropriate action, as it focuses on the units with likely higher readmission rates. According toNAHQ study materials, quality professionals should use data to drill down into specific areas of concern, applying tools like root cause analysis or process mapping to identify underlying causes. This aligns with the CPHQ domain of Health Data Analytics, which emphasizes targeted data analysis to drive improvement.
Option D (Meet with the Quality Council to share the results for 4 North and 4 South): The question does not indicate that 4 North and 4 South are the units with high readmissions. Focusing on these units without evidence is premature, and meeting with the Quality Council is a later step after causes are identified.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 2: Health Data Analytics, emphasizes the use of data to identify high-priority areas and conduct further analysis to uncover root causes for performance improvement.

Detailed Explanation:
The process owner is accountable for the long-term maintenance and sustainment of improvements post- implementation.
Option B: Process Owner
This role ensures continuous oversight and improvement adherence, critical for sustaining changes.
Option A: Champion
Champions advocate and promote the initiative but may not manage ongoing maintenance.
Options C and D:
Sponsors provide support, and facilitators assist in the project's implementation but do not hold responsibility for sustainment.
References:
Process ownership is emphasized in quality management literature, where continuous oversight is necessary for successful and sustainable improvements.