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Evaluating inputs of failure modes and effects analysis in identifying patient safety risks.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Simsekler, Mecit Can Emre  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1555-5012
Kaya, Gulsum Kubra 
Ward, James R 
Clarkson, P John 

Abstract

PURPOSE: There is a growing awareness on the use of systems approaches to improve patient safety and quality. While earlier studies evaluated the validity of such approaches to identify and mitigate patient safety risks, so far only little attention has been given to their inputs, such as structured brainstorming and use of system mapping approaches (SMAs), to understand their impact in the risk identification process. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the inputs of a well-known systems approach, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), in identifying patient safety risks in a real healthcare setting. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study was conducted in a newly established adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service at Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust in the UK. Three stakeholders of the chosen service together with the facilitators conducted an FMEA exercise along with a particular system diagram that was initially found as the most useful SMA by eight stakeholders of the service. FINDINGS: In this study, it was found that the formal structure of FMEA adds value to the risk identification process through comprehensive system coverage with the help of the system diagram. However, results also indicates that the structured brainstorming refrains FMEA participants from identifying and imagining new risks since they follow the process predefined in the given system diagram. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: While this study shows the potential contribution of FMEA inputs, it also suggests that healthcare organisations should not depend solely on FMEA results when identifying patient safety risks; and therefore prioritising their safety concerns.

Description

Keywords

Patient safety, Risk management, System thinking, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Disease Management, Female, Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, Humans, Male, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Patient Care Team, Patient Safety, Risk Factors, Risk Management, United Kingdom

Journal Title

Int J Health Care Qual Assur

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0952-6862
1758-6542

Volume Title

32

Publisher

Emerald
Sponsorship
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (via Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) (unknown)