What does the "Act" phase in the PDSA cycle focus on?

The "Act" phase of the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle is centered on making decisions based on the findings from the previous phases, particularly the "Study" phase, where data analysis occurs. During this phase, teams reflect on what they have learned through their tests and decide on the next steps for implementing improvements. This often involves identifying successful strategies that can be integrated into standard practice and determining how these improvements will be sustained over time. The focus is on taking the results of their study to create a plan for further action, whether that’s broadening the scope of the intervention or making necessary adjustments based on the learning outcomes.

Gathering data for analysis is related to the "Study" phase, where the results of the "Do" phase are evaluated. Brainstorming potential solutions occurs in the "Plan" phase, where various ideas are generated based on initial problem assessments. Making initial recommendations may be part of discussions in the "Act" phase, but the primary focus is on solidifying improvements for continued application. Hence, identifying improvements for further implementation aligns most closely with the core purpose of the "Act" phase.