Theory, Philosophy and Justification for Root Cause Analysis

The move to conduct root cause analysis is largely motivated by a growing recognition that the complexity of health care and health care delivery drives the incidence of adverse events uncomfortably and unacceptably high (Brennan et al, 1991). Consistent with this, the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) maintains as its philosophy that:   Most errors[…]

Is your Root Cause Analysis “Thorough and Credible”?

The Joint Commission requires that your Root Cause Analysis (RCAs) be thorough and credible. “Thorough” and “credible” are not particularly difficult concepts until it’s time to apply them while conducting an RCA. Or when the The Joint Commission comes calling during survey to make sure your systems are up to snuff, including your RCAs. However,[…]