Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) Practice Exam

Which tool is best suited for assessing risks before implementing robotic surgery technology?

1. Meaningful use evaluation

2. Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)

3. Root cause analysis (RCA)

4. Patient safety leadership WalkRounds

The correct answer is: Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)

The best tool for assessing risks before implementing robotic surgery technology is Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). FMEA is a proactive risk assessment method that helps healthcare organizations identify potential failures in processes, products, or systems before they occur. It takes into account various failure modes, the likelihood of their occurrence, their potential effects on patient safety, and how they could impact the overall success of a new technology like robotic surgery. Using FMEA for this situation allows healthcare teams to evaluate all aspects of implementing robotic surgery, including technical, operational, and human factors. By identifying potential complications or issues in advance, the organization can develop strategies to mitigate those risks and enhance patient safety. Other tools mentioned, such as root cause analysis (RCA), are more appropriate for investigating incidents after they have occurred, rather than assessing potential risks before implementation. Meaningful use evaluation focuses on the effective use of technology in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes, but it does not specifically assess risks. Patient safety leadership WalkRounds aim to engage leadership with staff regarding safety issues but do not systematically analyze risks associated with new technologies. Thus, FMEA stands out for its comprehensive approach to proactively identifying and mitigating risks prior to the introduction of robotic surgery technology.