What is the goal of "failure mode and effects analysis" (FMEA)?

The goal of "failure mode and effects analysis" (FMEA) is primarily centered on identifying potential failure points within a process, understanding their possible impacts, and developing strategies to mitigate associated risks. FMEA is a systematic method used to evaluate processes to pinpoint areas that could fail and analyze the consequences of those failures. This proactive approach allows healthcare organizations to implement preventive measures, reduce errors, and enhance patient safety. By focusing on identifying risks before they cause harm, FMEA plays a crucial role in improving the overall quality and reliability of healthcare delivery.

The other choices focus on unrelated aspects of healthcare operations, such as employee management, assessing past procedures, or financial risks, none of which capture the comprehensive risk assessment and improvement focus inherent in the FMEA methodology.