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

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Saizy‐Callaert, S.^; | Causse, R. | Thébault, A. | Chouaïd, C.

Affiliations: Pharmaceutical Division, Créteil Intercommunal Hospital Centre, Créteil, France | Unit for Chest Diseases, Créteil Intercommunal Hospital Centre, Créteil, France

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Sophie Saizy‐Callaert, Pharmaceutical Division, Créteil Intercommunal Hospital Centre, 40 avenue de Verdun, 94010 Créteil Cedex, France.

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: FMECA, quality improvement, drug prescription

Journal: International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine, vol. 15, no. 3-4, pp. 193-202, 2002