A tool used to display performance data over time is a?

A run chart is a valuable tool used in quality improvement and performance management to visualize data points collected over time. It effectively demonstrates trends, patterns, and variations in data, allowing for an easy assessment of performance changes. By plotting data points in a time-ordered sequence, a run chart makes it possible to identify shifts, cycles, or any continuous improvements or degradations in a process.

Run charts are particularly useful in healthcare and other industries to track performance metrics such as patient wait times, infection rates, or staff efficiency over a specific period, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence. Additionally, they can assist in determining the impact of interventions by showing the before-and-after effects on performance, thereby guiding further improvements.

In contrast, other options such as benchmarks, status process control charts, and time ladders serve different purposes. Benchmarks provide standards for comparing performance against best practices or competitors, while status process control charts visualize process stability and variations within predetermined limits. Time ladders, while they relate to timelines and project management, do not specifically focus on performance data over time in the same direct way as run charts. Thus, the run chart is the most suitable choice for displaying performance data over time effectively.