It is important to make sure that healthcare is delivered in a consistent and fair way for everyone no matter where they live or who they are. When this doesn’t happen, we call this unwarranted variation.
Watch the animation below for an overview of Reduce Unwarranted Variation.
You can learn more about Unwarranted Variation by undertaking our learning resource Value Based Health and Care: Unwarranted Variation. Successful completion of the knowledge-check quiz generates a certificate of completion, evidencing your understanding of how reduction in unwarranted variation contributes to the practice of Realistic Medicine and Value Based Health and Care.
ISD produce the Scottish Atlas of Healthcare Variation which highlights geographical variation in healthcare services and associated outcomes. The Atlas is a tool to facilitate discussion and promote quality improvement. This website includes a user guide to the Atlas and access to the interactive atlas maps.
Content updated July 2022