In the PDSA cycle, what is the primary purpose of the "Study" phase?

The primary purpose of the "Study" phase in the PDSA cycle is to analyze data and assess results. During this phase, the team reviews the outcomes of the changes that were implemented in the "Do" phase. This involves evaluating the data collected to determine if the desired improvements were achieved.

Key activities in this phase include comparing the actual results to the expected outcomes, understanding any discrepancies, and identifying what worked well and what did not. This analysis is crucial as it informs the next steps in the cycle, such as deciding whether to standardize the successful change, make adjustments, or retry the cycle with a different approach.

The focus is on using evidence to make informed decisions about the efficacy of the implemented strategies and to provide insights for future cycles of improvement. The conclusion drawn from the "Study" phase directly influences the actions taken in the subsequent "Act" phase, forming a continuous loop of improvement and adaptation.