One of the most powerful tools that sits at the heart of Deming’s Theory of Knowledge is in fact the Plan-Do-Act-Study (PDSA) cycle. PDSA cycles are experiments during which you gather evidence to test your theories. Observed outcomes are compared to predictions and the differences between the two become the learning that drives decisions about next steps with your theory. The know-how generated through each successive PDSA cycle ultimately becomes the practice-based evidence that demonstrates that some process, tool, or modified staff role or relationship works effectively under a variety of conditions and that quality outcomes will reliably ensue within your organization.
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