Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) Cycle

PDSA is shorthand for testing change by:

  • Developing a plan to test the change (PLAN)
  • Carrying out the change (DO)
  • Observing and learning from the consequences (STUDY)
  • Determining what modifications should be made to the test (ACT)

As the name suggests, this happens as a continuous cycle.

The NHS Model of Improvement uses the PDSA cycle as a tool for improvement

Doncaster, Bradford and York Project teams

We tasked the teams to PLAN their first PDSA cycle. This is what they come up with:

  • Bradford
Aim Change ideas Measurement
To reduce rate of missed cannulations by 25% Staff to carry out look, listen, feel assessment 10 patients weekly Links to missed cannulation measure

  • Doncaster
Aim Change Idea Measurement
Reduce loss of native access by 20% by Dec 2021 Incorporate the look, listen, feel assessment into handovers Watch 5 staff assess patient Links to fistula failure rate measure

  • Leeds
Aim Change Idea Measurement
65% haemodialysis patients with fistula/ graft use ropeladder technique by 1st July 2020 Increase use of sonosite ultrasound Simple how to guideSenior staff to lead by example 10 patients weekly Links to missed cannulation measure

  • York
Aim Change ideas Measurement
To reduce rate of missed cannulations by 25% Staff to carry out look, listen, feel assessment (as per recommendations) 10 patients weekly Links to missed cannulation measure