Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)?

1. To evaluate patient experiences

2. To identify potential failures to prevent their occurrence

3. To ensure compliance with safety regulations

4. To analyze the effectiveness of training programs

The correct answer is: To identify potential failures to prevent their occurrence

The purpose of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is fundamentally rooted in its proactive approach to safety and risk management within healthcare settings. It serves to systematically identify, assess, and prioritize potential failure modes in processes, products, or services. By doing this, it aims to prevent failures from occurring in the first place. FMEA involves a structured team-based process where team members brainstorm potential failures that could happen in a specific process, determine the effects of those failures, assess the risk associated with each failure mode, and then develop strategies to mitigate the risks. The ultimate goal is to enhance safety by preventing problems before they arise, thereby ensuring better outcomes for patients and reducing the likelihood of adverse events. Other options like evaluating patient experiences or ensuring compliance with safety regulations do not capture the core purpose of FMEA, which is focused on identifying and preventing potential failures rather than assessing experiences or regulatory adherence. Similarly, analyzing the effectiveness of training programs focuses on a specific aspect of organizational improvement that does not relate directly to the risk management focus of FMEA.