Use of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis to Improve Emergency Department Handoff Processes

The purpose of this article is to describe a quality improvement process using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to evaluate systems handoff communication processes, improve emergency department (ED) throughput and reduce crowding through development of a standardized handoff, and, ultimately, improve patient safety.

Risk of patient harm through ineffective communication during handoff transitions is a major reason for breakdown of systems. Complexities of ED processes put patient safety at risk.

An increased incidence of submitted patient safety event reports for handoff communication failures between the ED and inpatient units solidified a decision to implement the use of FMEA to identify handoff failures to mitigate patient harm through redesign.

The clinical nurse specialist implemented an FMEA. Handoff failure themes were created from deidentified retrospective reviews. Weekly meetings were held over a 3-month period to identify failure modes and determine cause and effect on the process. A functional block diagram process map tool was used to illustrate handoff processes. An FMEA grid was used to list failure modes and assign a risk priority number to quantify results.

Multiple areas with actionable failures were identified. A majority of causes for high-priority failure modes were specific to communications.

Findings demonstrate the complexity of transition and handoff processes. The FMEA served to identify and evaluate risk of handoff failures and provide a framework for process improvement.

A focus on mentoring nurses to quality handoff processes so that it becomes habitual practice is crucial to safe patient transitions. Standardizing content and hardwiring within the system are best practice. The clinical nurse specialist is prepared to provide strong leadership to drive and implement system-wide quality projects.