RE: Does PDSA Require Control Charts?

[Steven_S_Prevette@RL.gov]

Does PDSA require control charts 

and formal, written plans? 

Can PDSA be used for evaluation of non-measurable changes?

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My opinion:  Yes, no, yes.

PDSA needs some mechanism in the Study cycle to determine if positive change
occurred.  A control chart, with its criteria for separating special cause
(most likely the effect of the Do) from common cause (what was there before)
variation, can be the operational definition for effectiveness of the Do.
Without the control chart, you may just have a lucky result that could be
misinterpreted as success of the Do.

I don't think you need a formal, written plan.  Granted, I think it helps to
record what you find during the Plan, state what you are going to do during
the Do, have the control charts from the Study, and the final implementation
for the Act.  But some formal "PDSA form number 2187" is not necessary.

Dr. Deming definitely stated that many things are unmeasurable and
unknowable.  But I would suggest that one would need to come up with some
sort of criteria to approximate the non-measurable item.  Structured
interviews and surveys can be used.  I have a survey analysis tool (at
http://www.hanford.gov/safety/vpp/survey.htm) that has lent itself to
control charting quite well.  I would be will to share an example survey and
how it is being analyzed using control charting.  Also, as an example, Dr.
Deming found sick day records to be a good indicator of worker morale.

Steve Prevette
ESH Planning and Performance
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Global Services Company
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371
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