PDSA is a problem-solving model used to test and implement system-wide improvement. Plan, Do, Study, Act is designed to run in cycles with the results from the previous cycle guiding the plans for the next round of actions. The change is first tested on a small scale, one step at a time so that any movement in the “wrong” direction can be discovered and mediated quickly. As cycles of PDSA are repeated, the change can be tested on a larger scale across multiple levels to determine its effectiveness.
This template can be used as a tool to plan and guide the team through each cycle of PDSA. Every time an adjustment or change is made, another cycle of PDSA should be implemented.
Answer the following questions for each stage of PDSA based on your desired continuous improvement outcome. Focus on only one outcome at a time.