Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) Practice Exam

Systems thinking promotes analyzing causes of incidents by acknowledging:

1. Recognizing people make errors due to system factors

2. Understanding that individuals alone must avoid error

3. The system is solely responsible for safety

4. Identifying poor performers and removing them

The correct answer is: Recognizing people make errors due to system factors

Systems thinking is an approach that emphasizes the interconnectivity and complexity of components within a healthcare setting, particularly how various elements influence one another. When addressing incidents and their causes, this perspective highlights the importance of recognizing that human errors often arise from systemic factors rather than solely from individual failings. By acknowledging that people make errors due to system factors, it becomes clear that many mistakes are not simply the result of personal oversight but are influenced by a range of elements such as inadequate training, flawed processes, unclear communication, and environmental pressures. This understanding encourages a culture of safety that emphasizes improvement at the system level, advocating for the redesign of processes to enhance safety and minimize the risk of errors. By focusing on these systemic factors, healthcare organizations can implement changes that promote safer practices and prevent future incidents. In contrast, other options emphasize individual responsibility without considering the broader context or may incorrectly suggest that the system is solely to blame for safety issues, which can lead to a lack of accountability among team members. Additionally, identifying poor performers and removing them does not address the underlying factors that contribute to errors and may lead to a more punitive culture rather than a collaborative effort to improve safety.