Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

RCA and FMEA

A. Explain the general purpose of conducting a root cause analysis (RCA).
1. Explain each of the six steps used to conduct an RCA, as defined by IHI.
2. Apply the RCA process to the scenario to describe the causative and contributing factors that
led to the sentinel event outcome.
B. Propose a process improvement plan that would decrease the likelihood of a reoccurrence of
the scenario outcome.
1. Discuss how each phase of Lewin’s change theory on the human side of change could be
applied to the proposed improvement plan.

C. Explain the general purpose of the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) process.
1. Describe the steps of the FMEA process as defined by IHI.
2. Complete the attached FMEA table by appropriately applying the scales of severity,
occurrence, and detection to the process improvement plan proposed in part B.
Note: You are not expected to carry out the full FMEA.
D. Explain how you would test the interventions from the process improvement plan from part B
to improve care.
E. Explain how a professional nurse can competently demonstrate leadership in each of the
following areas:
• promoting quality care
• improving patient outcomes
• influencing quality improvement activities
1. Discuss how the involvement of the professional nurse in the RCA and FMEA processes
demonstrates leadership qualities