Applying the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach to a large pragmatic study involving safety net clinics

• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2364-3
• Publication Date: 2017-06-19T12:47:00Z
• Authors: Jennifer Coury; Jennifer L. Schne...; Jennifer S. Rivelli; Amanda F. Petrik; Evelyn Seibel; Brieshon D’Agostini; Stephen H. Taplin; Beverly B. Green; Gloria D. Coronado
• Keywords: PDCA; Outreach; Staffing; Health Services Research

The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is a commonly used improvement process in health care settings, although its documented use pragmatic clinical research rare. A recent study, called the Strategies and Opportunities to STOP Colon Cancer Priority Populations (STOP CRC), this optimize implementation of an automated colon cancer screening outreach program intervention clinics. We describe using PDSA approach, selection topics by clinic leaders, project leaders' reactions research.STOP CRC cluster-randomized study that aims test effectiveness direct-mail fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) involving eight Federally Qualified Health Centers Oregon California. practice specialist trained delivered structured presentations leaders these centers; addressed how apply improve mailed offering colorectal through FIT tests. Center submitted plans reports via webinar at quarterly meetings project's advisory board. Project staff conducted one-on-one, 45-min interviews with leads from each center assess reaction value supporting CRC.Clinic-selected activities included refining staffing model, improving materials, changing workflow steps. Common benefits cycles were it provided structure for focus on allowed change they wanted see. reported challenge was measuring success available electronic medical record tools.Understanding can be applied trials their may help clinics integrate evidence-based interventions into everyday processes.Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01742065 . Registered October 31, 2013.