What are the key principles of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle?

The key principles of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle are best summarized in the selected answer: the process focuses on testing changes, gathering data, reflecting on results, and implementing improvements.

In the PDSA cycle, the first step, "Plan," involves outlining the objectives of a change and identifying the necessary steps and resources to achieve that change. The second step, "Do," is the implementation phase where the planned change is put into action, allowing for the collection of data.

The "Study" phase is crucial as it involves analyzing the outcomes of the change and reflecting on what worked well and what did not. This critical reflection helps to understand the impact of the change. Lastly, in the "Act" phase, the team decides whether to adopt, adapt, or abandon the change based on the insights gained during the Study phase.

This systematic approach is integral to continuous improvement in quality processes, as it encourages iterative testing and learning from outcomes to enhance performance and drive improvements.