Revised Risk Priority Number in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Model from the Perspective of Healthcare System.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Risk Assessment
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a critical risk assessment tool and accreditation requirement.
• The standard Risk Priority Number (RPN) relies on subjective evaluations of occurrence, severity, and detectability.
• Existing FMEA models require adaptation for better compatibility with healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the FMEA model for healthcare systems by redefining the RPN index.
• To enhance the accuracy of risk assessment in clinical settings.
• To improve the evaluation of failures in patient care.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (RPN calculation) techniques.
• Data collection through focused group discussions to understand failure modes.
• Quantitative analysis to calculate and reassess RPN scores.

Main Results:

• Analysis of the patient journey in the surgery ward identified high-priority failures.
• Inclusion criteria for failure assessment included severity (clinical effect, financial loss), occurrence (time, risk exposure), and preventability.
• The highest-rated failure had an RPN of 361; reassessment using root cause analysis indicated variations in improved RPN scores.

Conclusions:

• Standardized criteria for FMEA in healthcare must align with clinical language and scientific fields.
• Collaboration between technical and clinical teams is essential for effective FMEA model modification.
• Improved FMEA models can lead to more accurate risk assessment and enhanced patient safety.