A brief explanation of the quality improvement model you selected, including a description of the components that make up this model.

A brief explanation of the quality improvement model you selected, including a description of the components that make up this model.

The quality improvement model selected for this assignment is the A3 model.  This model provides a very basic, yet structured approach towards problem-solving. The model was first applied by the Toyota corporation, many years ago, as a model for continuous improvement.  According to UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (2021), the model received its name, based on the type/size of the paper, A3.  It is also known as SPS, which is Systematic Problem Solving and is based on the basic principles identified by Edward Demings PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) process (UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement, 2021). The A3 process involves includes a total of 11 distinct steps, including a step 0, which identifies the problem.  Steps 1 – 8 are planning steps, interestingly enough, embedded in these steps are Deming’s PDCA steps.  Step 9 is the do step and step 10 is the check step (Montana State University, n. d.).  At the end of the cycle, any identified opportunities for improvement are identified and the cycle is initiated again.