What term describes variations in outcomes from a system that result from unpredicted actions?

The term that describes variations in outcomes from a system that result from unpredicted actions is known as "Special Cause." Special cause variation indicates that an outcome deviates from the norm due to specific, identifiable factors or events that are not part of the routine operation of the system. These variations are distinct and often arise from unexpected circumstances or anomalies, such as equipment failures, changes in process, or other singular events that disrupt the usual flow.

Understanding special cause variation is crucial for quality improvement efforts, as it allows organizations to identify and address these anomalies directly, thereby enhancing system performance and reducing unwanted variability. By recognizing and analyzing special cause variations, healthcare organizations can implement targeted interventions to improve outcomes and better manage quality.

In contrast, common cause variation refers to the inherent fluctuations within a stable system that result from regular, everyday processes. Meanwhile, underlying cause typically refers to deeper or root causes that may contribute to issues, while congruent cause isn’t a recognized term in the context of variation analysis in quality improvement.