Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The acronym PDCA stands for "Plan, Do, Check, Act," which represents a cyclical process used for continuous improvement in various fields, including healthcare management. This methodology serves as a fundamental framework for quality management and problem-solving.

In the PDCA cycle, the "Plan" phase involves identifying an opportunity and planning for change. The "Do" phase is where the change or test is implemented on a small scale. Next, in the "Check" phase, the results of the implementation are evaluated to determine if the change is having the desired effect. Finally, the "Act" phase involves taking action based on what was learned in the previous step; this might include standardizing the successful changes or planning for further improvements.

Understanding PDCA is essential for healthcare leaders, as it fosters an environment of continuous quality improvement that can lead to better patient outcomes, enhanced operational efficiency, and greater employee engagement. By adhering to the PDCA cycle, healthcare organizations are better equipped to manage changes and improve their services systematically.