What are the four steps of the PDSA cycle?

What are the four steps of the PDSA cycle?

• A. Plan
• B. Do
• C. Study
• D. Act

Answer: (A)

The PDSA cycle is a quick, iterative method for testing changes in health care. It spans four steps that form a loop of continuous learning. Start with planning a small test: clearly define the goal, specify what will be tested, how success will be measured, and what data will be collected. Next is doing the test on a limited scale, carrying out the plan and recording what happens. Then you study the results by analyzing the data, comparing outcomes to what you predicted, and noting what worked and what didn’t. Finally, act on what you learned by deciding to adopt the change, adapt it and try another cycle, or abandon it and start a new plan. The value comes from repeating this cycle, each loop building toward better processes and outcomes.

The PDSA cycle is a quick, iterative method for testing changes in health care. It spans four steps that form a loop of continuous learning. Start with planning a small test: clearly define the goal, specify what will be tested, how success will be measured, and what data will be collected. Next is doing the test on a limited scale, carrying out the plan and recording what happens. Then you study the results by analyzing the data, comparing outcomes to what you predicted, and noting what worked and what didn’t. Finally, act on what you learned by deciding to adopt the change, adapt it and try another cycle, or abandon it and start a new plan. The value comes from repeating this cycle, each loop building toward better processes and outcomes.