A quality management system application to investigate and troubleshoot process failures: A case study of BC cancer agency

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a practical approach taken by utilizing the non‐conformance/event management and failure investigation (FI) system to formally troubleshoot an actual process failure observed in the sequencing facility.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study the authors describe how the cause for the poor quality sequence data, as indicated from the quality score, involving high molecular weight follicular lymphoma DNA samples for a study of tumor‐associated genome rearrangements was successfully identified and confirmed through the application of a well structured FI process.

Findings

Through this FI process the underlying causes were effectively identified, immediate corrective actions were executed and a preventative action to avoid or minimize reoccurrences was also implemented and monitored for effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper establishes that by applying a systematic, documented FI process the underlying causes of a process failure in an organization can be effectively identified and appropriate corrective and preventative actions can be successfully adopted.

Citation

Balasundaram, M., Tsai, M., Clarke, A., Leung, D., Munro, S., Wagner, S., Mayo, M., Moore, R. and Holt, R. (2010), "A quality management system application to investigate and troubleshoot process failures: A case study of BC cancer agency", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 102-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777271011035040