Final answer:
The magnitude of the consequences of a potential service failure to the patient can be assessed through severity assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is a) Severity assessment.
Severity assessment is a process that evaluates the seriousness or magnitude of the consequences of a potential service failure to the patient. It helps to determine the level of harm or damage that can result from a failure in delivering healthcare services. By assessing the severity, healthcare professionals can prioritize and address the most critical issues first.
For example, if a medical device malfunctions during a surgery, the severity assessment would determine the potential harm to the patient, such as life-threatening complications or long-term disabilities. This evaluation helps healthcare providers take appropriate actions to minimize risks and ensure patient safety.