root cause analysis


root cause analysis

tool used in medical quality management whereby the obvious or elusive causes that may lead to adverse outcomes or patterns of suboptimal outcomes are sought and analyzed to correct the faulty processes, thereby improving outcomes. It is especially important in management of patient safety and risk management programs and in aviation-related medicine.
See also: sentinel event.

root cause analysis

In health care delivery a formal study of a problem used to determine how to avoid or prevent similar problems in the future.

root cause a·nal·y·sis

(rūt kawz ă-nali-sis) Measure used in medical quality management whereby obvious or elusive causes that may lead to adverse outcomes or patterns of suboptimal outcomes are sought and analyzed to correct faulty processes.