Here is an FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) for a hospital patient check-in procedure:
Process Step: Patient arrives at hospital
Failure Modes:
- Patient goes to wrong department/area of hospital
- Patient unable to physically enter hospital due to accessibility issues
Effects of Failure:
- Delay in patient receiving needed care
- Patient frustration/dissatisfaction
- Increased time for staff to redirect patient
Causes of Failure:
- Lack of clear signage directing patients
- Limited access for disabled patients
- Patient unaware of correct department
Risk Priority Number (Severity x Occurrence x Detection):
- Signage issues: 8 x 6 x 7 = 336
- Accessibility issues: 9 x 5 x 8 = 360
Recommended Actions:
- Install large printed signs directing patients to key departments
- Station volunteers/staff at entrances to assist patients
- Ensure wheelchair/automatic doors are functioning properly
- Include department name/location on appointment reminders
Process Step: Patient checks in at registration desk
Failure Modes:
- Long wait times to check in
- Errors in patient information entered
Effects of Failure:
- Patient frustration/dissatisfaction
- Delay in care delivery
- Errors in medical records
Causes of Failure:
- Understaffing at registration
- Distractions for registration staff
- Illegible handwriting on forms
Risk Priority Number:
- Wait times: 6 x 8 x 5 = 240
- Information errors: 7 x 8 x 6 = 336
Recommended Actions:
- Streamline check-in process to minimize steps
- Ensure adequate staffing at peak hours
- Limit noise/distractions for registration staff
- Utilize electronic medical records to reduce errors
This covers some key potential failure modes and recommendations to improve the patient check-in process. The hospital can prioritize actions based on the risk priority numbers.