PDSAPlanDoStudyAct

PDSAPlanDoStudyAct is a four-step cycle used in quality improvement to test changes rapidly and learn from results. The cycle emphasizes learning and adaptation rather than one-time change. It is commonly associated with Plan-Do-Study-Act, a framework derived from the earlier PDCA cycle; the exact attribution varies, but the approach is widely used in healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

Plan: establish a clear aim, define the change to test, predict its impact, and plan data collection and analysis. Do: implement the change on a small scale or pilot, while documenting what was done and collecting data. Study: analyze data, compare outcomes to predictions, identify gaps, and determine what was learned. Act: decide to adopt the change, modify it (adapt), or abandon it; refine the plan and prepare for the next cycle.

Characteristics: iterative, small-scale tests, data-driven decision making, and a focus on continuous learning. Benefits: reduces risk, accelerates improvement, builds knowledge, and supports scalable change.

Common pitfalls: vague aims, poor measures, insufficient data, skipping steps, or stopping after a single cycle without broader testing. Variants: some frameworks use Plan-Check-Act or emphasize "Study" as the learning step; documentation via PDSA worksheets is common.

Conclusion: PDSA cycles support systematic experimentation and continuous improvement by repeatedly testing and refining processes.