Application of the plan–do–study–act method to improve quality in healthcare

"There is varied application and reporting of plan-do-study-act cycles and lack of compliance with the principles that underpin its design as a pragmatic scientific method. The varied practice compromises its effectiveness as a method for improvement and cautions against studies that view quality improvement or PDSA as a ‘black box’ intervention."

Systematic review of the application of the plan–do–study–act method to improve quality in healthcare
MJ Taylor, C McNicholas, C Nicolay, A Darzi, D Bell, JE Reed
BMJ Quality and Safety, 2014; 23(4): 290-298

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