The most commonly method used in healthcare is the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycle. This method involves an approach called "trial-and-learning" (Varkey, et al, 2007). With this approach either a hypothesis or suggested solution for improvement is made and then the testing is done in small cycles before any real changes are made to the system as a whole. A 4 repetitive steps sequence is used to carry out this approach. The first step is the planning phase where ideas for improvement are detailed, tasks assigned, and expectations confirmed. This is where the measures of improvement are selected as well (Varkey, et al, 2007). The second phase is the do (test) phase. This is when the plan is being implemented, and any departure from the plan
