Creating effective PDSA cycles

Abstract

Quality improvement is achievable in healthcare with the help of a set of tools. One such tool is the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, or PDSA cycle. When utilized correctly, PDSA cycles have the potential to effect meaningful change. When used incorrectly, they can defer learning and be counterproductive to quality healthcare. Appropriate use of PDSA cycles will be demonstrated using a ubiquitous challenge in ambulatory care, clinic workflow.