In the event of a near-miss incident, what analysis tool can be utilized to identify its cause?

Root cause analysis is the most appropriate tool for identifying the underlying causes of a near-miss incident. This analytical method systematically examines a situation to uncover the primary factors that contributed to the occurrence of the incident, even if it did not result in actual harm or damage. The main goal of root cause analysis is to prevent future occurrences by addressing these underlying issues.

Root cause analysis typically involves gathering data, exploring potential causes, and identifying which particular factors led to the near-miss scenario. This approach helps stakeholders understand the complexities of the incident and implement corrective actions to improve safety and quality within healthcare organizations.

While Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is also a useful tool in the context of identifying potential failures and their impacts before they happen, it is more proactive and preventive in nature. FMEA focuses on analyzing systems or processes to anticipate what could go wrong, rather than examining an incident that has already occurred. Therefore, in the context of a near miss, root cause analysis provides a more direct avenue for understanding and mitigating risks based on actual events, making it the suitable choice for analyzing causes in such situations.