Speaking Quality Improvement: Leveraging the PDSA Framework to Improve Dialysis Outcomes

Improving patient care in the dialysis setting begins with empowering nurses and interdisciplinary teams to lead quality improvement initiatives. As dialysis care becomes more complex and regulatory metrics intensify through the ESRD Quality Incentive Program, the need for continuous improvement is critical. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle offers a practical, iterative framework for driving meaningful change in dialysis settings. A discussion of each phase followed by a detailed example addresses the current educational gap and illustrates how this framework supports quality outcomes. By empowering dialysis staff, particularly nurses, as key agents of change, a culture of quality improvement and sustainability in the dialysis setting can be successfully achieved.