Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is about testing changes in the real world.  Testing the change by planning it, trying it, observing the results, and acting on what is learned.

This is the scientific method adapted for action-oriented learning.

Plan to test the change - Who? What? When? Where? What data need to be collected?

Do the test on a small scale and document the outcomes, any problems, etc

Study the data and results; summarise what you’ve learned

Act on what you have learned from the test - Refine the changes based on the results and reflect on what you might do differently

The PDSA cycle is designed to be repeated, learning and improving from each cycle, and using data to refine the changes made.

We have a Be the Change project pack that includes a template to record your progress through a PDSA cycle and you can download a copy on the website.