There are many applications of quality control charts in health care monitoring and in public health surveillance. In fact, statistical process control (SPC) forms the basis of many disease surveillance systems. In this overview presentation, these types of applications are introduced along with some of the differences from the standard industrial monitoring environment. The advantages and disadvantages of some of the charting methods proposed in the health care and public health areas are considered. Some additional contributions in the industrial statistical process control literature relevant to this area are provided. There are many research opportunities available in the use of control charts for health-related monitoring and in public health surveillance.
