In 2020, both unit and network level outlier analysis are conducted without shrinkage applied. Prior to 2020, the rates displayed in the unit funnel plot were shrinkage estimates. More information about the outlier methodology can be found in the NNAP Annual Report on 2020 Data: Appendix A.
Units or networks are arranged on the horizontal axis according to their caseloads, smallest at the left-hand margin and largest at the right-hand margin. The vertical axis shows the rate associated with the audit measure -- for most measures, higher rates indicate better performance. Each unit or network is represented by a single dot. The standard, or the overall rate, is indicated by a horizontal solid line. The two blue curves delimit the rates that can be expected for a unit (or network) whose performance is equal to this standard. A unit or network can use this graph to identify an opportunity for quality improvement. One way to do this is by finding a comparator unit or network that has performed much better and comparing the clinical and other practices in these two units (or networks).