What does "failure modes and effects analysis" (FMEA) help identify?

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic and proactive tool used in quality improvement to identify potential failure points in a process before they occur. It involves examining each step of a process to assess where failures might happen, their causes, and the potential effects of these failures. The goal is to prioritize these failures based on their impact and likelihood, allowing teams to make informed decisions on how to address and mitigate risks before they lead to actual problems.

By identifying potential failure points, organizations can implement preventive measures, improve processes, and ultimately enhance patient safety and quality of care. This proactive approach is essential for continuous quality improvement in various settings, particularly in healthcare, where the consequences of failures can be significant.