PDSAcykler

PDSAcykler, known in English as PDSA cycles, are a structured approach to quality improvement used to test changes in real-world settings. They are based on the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, a concept developed from the earlier PDCA cycle and popularized in healthcare by Deming and organizations such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The aim of PDSAcykler is to learn quickly by testing ideas on a small scale before broader implementation, thereby reducing risk and guiding evidence-based decisions.

The cycle consists of four stages. Plan involves defining the aim, predicting the outcome, and planning how data will be collected. Do is the implementation of the change on a small scale. Study entails analyzing the data, comparing results with predictions, and identifying what was learned. Act is the decision point: adopt the change, adapt it for another context, or abandon it and start a new cycle. Teams may conduct multiple PDSA cycles in sequence to gradually refine a change.

PDSAcykler emphasize small, rapid tests of change, iterative learning, and involvement of stakeholders from across disciplines. They are widely used in healthcare to improve patient safety, workflow efficiency, and care quality, but the method is adaptable to other sectors, including education and public services. Effective use requires a clear aim, reliable data, documentation of results, and transparent communication of learnings to guide the next cycle.

Common pitfalls include vague goals, insufficient data collection, skipping steps, poor team engagement, and inadequate documentation of lessons learned. When implemented well, PDSAcykler support continuous improvement through evidence-based, incremental learning.