PDSA Worksheet Template

Do

• Implementation of the plan outlined during the Plan stage.
  • Possible tools to use in this phase:
    • Activity Network Diagram, Check Sheets, Control Charts, Flow Charts, Gantt Chart, Histogram, Run Charts
• Carry out the test.
  • Verify all systems are ready for data collection.
  • Prepare staff regarding what will be happening during the "Do" phase.
  • Train the individuals involved how to collect the data.
• Document problems or unexpected observations. Include a space or way for staff to write down observations of occurrences during the day that may affect the data.
  • Were you able to follow the instructions in the Plan phase? If not, why not?
  • What occurred that interfered with the planned process?
• Analyze the data.
  • Was the data collected per instructions?
  • Are there any gaps?
  • Use a bar graph, run chart, histogram or another tool to display data for easier analysis.

Study

• What did you learn?
  • Possible tools to use in this phase:
    • Check Sheet, Control Chart, Flow Chart, Pareto Chart, Run Chart
• Complete the analysis.
  • What is the data telling you?
  • Are there patterns?
• Compare collected data to your predictions.
  • Was the test similar or different than your predictions?
  • What was unexpected in your findings?
• Summarize what was learned.

Act

• Refine the change based on what was learned from the test.
  • Possible tools to use in this phase:
    • Affinity Diagram, Activity Network Diagram, Brainstorming, Force Field Analysis, Gantt Chart, Nominal Group Technique, Prioritization Matrix, Radar Chart
• Determine if modifications need to be made (adapt, adopt, or abandon).
  • Adapt - Make any modifications to your data collection or your teaching instructions if needed.
  • Adopt the tool and the findings if everything meets expectations.
  • Abandon the test and begin again if the test did not accomplish what was expected.
    • NOTE: This does not mean that you have a bad outcome. Only abandon if you did not measure what you intended to measure.
• Prepare a plan for the next test.

Remember: The PDSA is an iterative process

Example: Based on the example above, the team determines from data analysis, that providers and nurses are unavailable most of the time due to 2 reasons: 1) Too many interruptions from Pharmacy representatives, and 2) Attendance at mandatory meetings. 

The team would begin a new PDSA cycle with the aim to improve wait times by minimizing or removing the interruptions stated above.

The cycle would continue until goals are met