Enhancing patient safety using failure mode and effect criticality analysis: a benchmarking study on selected hospitals

Abstract

Purpose

Patient safety is a top priority globally. A robust healthcare system requires strategic collaboration between research and development. The author analysed over 300 cases from seven hospitals using the failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) tool to understand the underlying causes of medical errors.

Design/methodology/approach

The author studied seven hospitals and 300 cases using FMECA to prioritise activities. The findings showed that high-priority events occurred less frequently but had the potential to cause the most harm. Team members evaluated independently to ensure unbiased evaluations. This approach is useful for setting priorities or assessing difficulties.

Findings

Poor communication and lack of coordination among staff in a healthcare organisation caused misunderstandings, ineffective decision-making, delays in patient care, and medical errors. Implementation of effective communication and coordination protocols can help avoid these problems.

Practical implications

The study recommends using FMECA to identify and prioritise failures and conducting in-depth analyses to understand their root causes. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and soft skills for healthcare staff.

Originality/value

This study reveals the significance of FMECA in healthcare risk management and benchmarking. FMECA helps identify system failures, develop prevention strategies, and evaluate effectiveness against industry benchmarks. It offers healthcare professionals a valuable tool to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare quality.

Citation

Sarkar, N. (2024), "Enhancing patient safety using failure mode and effect criticality analysis: a benchmarking study on selected hospitals", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-03-2024-0212