PDSA Cycle

1. Clearly and objectively state the problem

2. Give some background and contextso that everyone can gain a commonunderstanding

3. Conduct "5Why" analysis to identify root causes

4. Brainstorm countermeasures and createhypothesis to test them.

12. If the countermeasures were effective, make the new method a standard that can be audited and maintained.

13. If the same countermeasure can be appliedto the similar problems to benefit others, do so.

14. Observe the new current conditionand set new targets towards the idealcondition, return to Plan

15. If the countermeasure is not effective,repeat the cycle beginning with the Plan Phase

5. Follow the scientific method to test the hypothesis

6. Change things and if the change is notgood, change it again until it is better

7. Rather than waiting for one perfectsolution, try many small things that can be done quickly.

8. Gather the facts (data) based on directobservation of the experiment.

9. Face the facts

10. Reflect carefully on what workedand what did not work with theexperiment

11. In each case, ask "Why?" until there is clear understanding of what was the and what was not