In a plan-do-study-act cycle for reducing readmissions, which activity corresponds to the 'Study' phase?

• A. Plan: aims and interventions; Do: implement; Study: analyze data weekly; Act: adjust.
• B. Plan: outline the solution; Do: measure outcomes; Study: adjust; Act: start over.
• C. Plan-Do-Study-Act is not applicable to readmissions.
• D. Analyze data and interpret results to inform adjustments.

Answer: (D)

Study phase is about learning from what happened in the test by examining the data collected during the Do step and interpreting what it means for the aims. In practice, you analyze outcomes, compare them with expectations, and understand what worked, what didn’t, and why. For reducing readmissions, this means looking at metrics like 30-day readmission rates, reasons for readmission, and the effectiveness of discharge or follow-up processes, then using that insight to decide what adjustments to test next. The goal is to learn from the results and inform the next cycle of changes.