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Model for Improvement & PDSA cycles

Improvement methodologies are used nationally and internationally, to improve processes of care or patient outcomes. Clinical Practice Improvement (CPI) is a commonly used methodology to address identified problems in the clinical area.

It involves identifying, defining and diagnosing a problem, before developing solutions and implementing interventions that may address the identified issues. Possible solutions are then tested using small-cycle testing called "Plan, Do, Study, Act" (PDSA) cycles. [1],[2]

It is important to measure the impact of changes in order to verify that your interventions have made a difference. PDSA cycles were originally known as the Shewhart cycle, "Plan, Do, Check, Act", and based on manufacturing models. They were later modified by Edwards Deming to PDSA cycles.[3]

There are three main concepts to consider when undertaking improvement. This is demonstrated well with the Model for Improvement below. [1],[2]

This model was developed by Associates for Process Improvement and is used by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as their framework to guide improvement work.[4]

Figure 1: Model for Improvement & PDSA (image adapted [2])

Figure 1: Model for Improvement & PDSA (image adapted [2])

To learn more about the Model for Improvement and PDSA cycles, please refer to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement website. You may need to take a moment and register with the IHI for more in-depth information.

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