One of the key strengths of CUSUM analysis is its high sensitivity to change—the ability to detect small, progressive shifts in performance that may not be obvious in traditional audits or aggregate statistics.

Sensitivity to change refers to how quickly and accurately a monitoring tool can:

• Detect emerging trends (positive or negative)
• Reflect real-time variations in performance
• Alert clinicians to subtle but meaningful deviations from expected outcomes

In procedures like ICP monitor placement, even small changes in complication rate can have serious consequences. CUSUM allows for:

• Rapid feedback during early learning phases
• Early warnings before a statistically significant problem arises
• Detection of both improvements (learning curve) and declines (fatigue, system failure)

• A shift from 10% to 15% complication rate over 10 cases may not be statistically significant.
• However, CUSUM would detect the trend immediately, showing an upward curve and potentially triggering a visual alert level.

High sensitivity to change makes CUSUM ideal for:

• Trainee monitoring
• Procedure standardization
• Rapid quality assurance cycles

This feature enables timely interventions, supports continuous improvement, and ultimately enhances patient safety.