Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) Practice Exam

In cause analysis, what is the role of the Executive Sponsor?

1. Coordinate all efforts and conduct performance discussions.

2. Prepare for health department visits if criteria are met.

3. Help scope objectives and maintain accountability for action plans.

4. Complete the initial debrief following an event.

The correct answer is: Help scope objectives and maintain accountability for action plans.

The role of the Executive Sponsor in cause analysis is primarily focused on helping to define the objectives of the analysis and ensuring that there is accountability for the subsequent action plans. An Executive Sponsor typically provides support and direction for the initiative, encouraging a culture of safety and improvement within the organization. They are instrumental in aligning the efforts with the strategic goals of the institution and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to implement the action plans developed from the cause analysis. This position entails oversight and leadership, which are critical for fostering a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to contribute to patient safety improvements. By maintaining accountability, the Executive Sponsor plays a crucial role in driving the initiatives to fruition, ensuring that the necessary follow-up actions are taken based on the findings of the analysis. As for the other options, coordinating all efforts and conducting performance discussions might fall more into the realm of operational leadership rather than the strategic oversight role of an Executive Sponsor. Preparing for health department visits is more of a compliance or regulatory role, and completing the initial debrief after an event typically involves frontline staff or team leaders, rather than someone in an executive position. The Executive Sponsor's primary focus is on the broader strategic objectives and maintaining accountability for the results of the analysis.