Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Practice Exam

What characterizes common cause variation?

1. External unpredictable issues

2. Internal issues related to process

3. Variations that lead to better outcomes

4. Deliberate changes in process

The correct answer is: Internal issues related to process

Common cause variation refers to the inherent fluctuations in a process that are the result of predictable, stable sources within that process. This type of variation is typically due to the design of the process itself, and it is a natural part of any system. It usually represents the regular or routine influences that affect the output, such as employee skills, materials, environmental conditions, and equipment functioning. When variation is attributed to common causes, it implies that the process is operating under normal conditions and that interventions will not necessarily improve outcomes unless significant changes are made to the system itself. Understanding common cause variation is crucial for Continuous Quality Improvement since it helps to determine when the process is stable and when variations may need to be addressed. In contrast, other options do not accurately encapsulate the nature of common cause variation. For example, external unpredictable issues refer to special cause variation, while variations leading to better outcomes and deliberate changes in the process suggest a different type of influence on the system's output, which typically falls under special causes or managed interventions.