Which tool is commonly used for quality assessment in healthcare?

The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is a widely recognized tool used for quality assessment and improvement in healthcare settings. This method provides a structured framework for testing changes in processes on a small scale before implementing them on a larger scale.

The "Plan" phase involves identifying a goal or a change to be tested and planning how to carry it out. In the "Do" phase, the planned change is implemented on a small scale to collect data. The "Study" phase follows, where the data is analyzed to assess the effects of the change, determining if it has accomplished the desired goals. Finally, in the "Act" phase, the successful changes are standardized where possible, or new adjustments are made based on the lessons learned from the study.

This cyclical approach allows for iterative testing and is essential in identifying effective changes while minimizing risks in healthcare quality improvement initiatives. The PDSA cycle is especially favored for its focus on learning from the implementation process and adapting as needed, making it a cornerstone of modern quality improvement strategies in healthcare.