Abstract
The value of performing prospective analysis before technology implementation is well known to the chemical, nuclear and aviation industries. The performance of a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is now required by healthcare organizations accredited by JCAHO as part of their patient safety standards. However, most healthcare organizations have little experience with applying human factors engineering techniques to process or technology evaluation and the procedure of how and when healthcare organizations should perform FMEA is not well described. This paper describes the method and challenges of performing a process and design FMEA to prepare for the implementation of a new intravenous infusion pump at a University Hospital. Recommendations are made for the performance of a process and design FMEA for new technology implementation in healthcare organizations.
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