Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) as a means of improving the hospital drug prescribing process

Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is used in industry to prevent process or product failures. We studied the feasibility of this method in the hospital environment. FMECA was used to improve drug prescription in two medical wards. Failure modes were identified and classified hierarchically. Corrective actions were taken. Involvement of all the professionals concerned in this process was secured, and has resulted in real acceptance of the proposed changes and in their effective realization.