Objective To investigate the applications of PDCA cycle management method in the review of prescriptions for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces and to analyze its role in improving the rate of standard prescriptions and promoting the rational use of medicines.Methods A total of 645 prescriptions for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces given by the outpatient clinic between October and December 2023 were selected as the control group while the prescriptions after the first and second rounds of PDCA cycle management from January to March 2024(612 prescriptions)and from April to June 2024(615 prescriptions)were selected for the intervention group.The results of review of prescriptions before and after the PDCA cycle was carried out were compared to evaluate the utility of the method in improving the qualified rate of Chinese medicine prescriptions.Results After two PDCA cycles,the qualified rate of prescriptions for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces was significantly improved.In the first stage study group,the qualified rate of outpatient Chinese medicine prescriptions was significantly increased from 70.54%to 81.69%(P<0.05),but it did not reach the intended goal.In the second stage study group,the qualified rate of outpatient Chinese medicine prescriptions was increased to 91.87%(P<0.05).In case of diagnostic absence,lack of Chinese medicine diagnosis,lack of labeling of special decoctions,and in terms of rational use of toxic sips,the qualified rate of the second stage study group was significantly higher than that of the control group and the first stage study group(P<0.05).Conclusion The PDCA cycle management method can effectively improve the quality and rationality of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces.
PDCA CycleTraditional Chinese MedicineDecoction PiecesPrescriptionReviewQuality ControlRational Use of Medicines