Root cause analysis (RCA) is a foundational component of patient safety and continuous quality improvement. When conducted effectively, RCA helps healthcare organizations move beyond addressing individual events to uncovering the underlying system issues that contribute to recurring risks. By identifying the true causes of adverse events, organizations can implement meaningful, long-term improvements that strengthen both patient outcomes and organizational performance.
This whitepaper explores the principles of effective root cause analysis, common challenges that can limit its impact, and practical strategies healthcare organizations can use to conduct more thorough investigations, identify systemic issues, and drive lasting improvements in patient safety and quality of care.
