Which analysis method is used to identify the cause of an issue or near miss?

Root Cause Analysis is a systematic approach aimed at identifying the fundamental underlying reasons for an issue, error, or near miss within a system or process. This method is particularly valuable in healthcare and other safety-critical environments, where understanding the root causes of incidents can inform corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

By focusing on addressing the primary cause rather than just the symptoms, Root Cause Analysis enables organizations to implement effective changes to improve their processes, systems, and overall safety. This can lead to better patient outcomes and enhanced operational efficiency. The methodologies often involve tools like the "5 Whys" or fishbone diagrams, facilitating a structured investigation into the factors contributing to the issue.

In contrast, the other methods do not specifically focus on understanding the fundamental causes. Trend analysis looks at patterns over time but does not drill down into causation; impact analysis assesses the consequences of potential changes or risks but does so without root cause identification; and risk assessment evaluates potential risks and their implications rather than unearthing the causes of existing issues.