PDSA: Plan-Do-Study-Act
What is PDSA?
PDSA, or Plan-Do-Study-Act, is an iterative, four-stage problem-solving
model used for improving a process or carrying out change.
When using the PDSA cycle, it’s important to include internal and external
customers; they can provide feedback about what works and what
doesn’t. The customer defines quality, so it would make sense to also
involve them in the process when appropriate or feasible, to increase
acceptance of the end result. (If you’re unsure about, who your customers
are, you may want to create a customer chain to assist in identification.)
In applying PDSA, ask yourself three questions:
1. What are we trying to accomplish?
2. How will we know that a change is an improvement?
3. What changes can we make that will result in an improvement?
Stage 1: Plan
A. Recruit Team
Assemble a team that has knowledge of the problem or opportunity for
improvement. Consider the strengths each team member brings—look for
engaged, forward-thinking staff.
After recruiting team members, identify roles and responsibilities, set
timelines, and establish a meeting schedule.
B. Draft an Aim Statement
Describe what you want to accomplish in an Aim Statement. Try to answer
those three fundamental questions:
1. What are we trying to accomplish?
2. How will we know that a change is an improvement?
3. What change can we make that will result in improvement?
Also called: Rapid Cycle Improvement, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
