Combining failure modes and effects analysis and cause–effect analysis: a novel method of risk analysis to reduce anaphylaxis due to contrast media. (12th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koike, Daisuke; Yamakami, Junichi; Miyashita, Terumi; Kataoka, Yumi; Nishida, Hiroshi; Hattori, Hidekazu; Yasuda, Ayuko
• Is Part Of: International journal for quality in health care. Volume 34:Number 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-12
• Subjects: radiology -- anaphylaxis -- risk assessment -- failure modes and effects analysis -- cause-effect diagram -- quality improvement; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzac002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-4505

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Contrast media agents are essential for computed tomography (CT)-based diagnoses. However, they can cause fatal adverse effects such as anaphylaxis in patients. Although it is rare, the chances of anaphylaxis increase with the number of examinations. Objective: We aimed to design a quality improvement initiative to reduce patient risk to contrast media agents. Methods: We analysed CT processes using contrast iodine in a tertiary-care academic hospital that performs approximately 14 000 CT scans per year in Japan. We applied a combination of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and cause–effect analysis to reduce the risk of patients developing allergic reactions to iodine-based contrast agents during CT imaging. Results: Our multidisciplinary team comprising seven professionals analysed the data and designed a 56-process flowchart of CT imaging with iodine. We obtained 177 failure modes, of which 15 had a risk-probability number higher than 100. We identified the two riskiest processes and developed cause-and-effect diagrams for both: one was related to the exchange of information between the radiation and hospital information system regarding the patient's allergy, the other was due to education and structural deficiencies in observation following the exam. Conclusion: The combined method of FMEA and cause-and-effect analysis reveals high-risk processes and suggests measures to reduce these risks. FMEA is not well-known in healthcare but has significant potential for improving patient safety. Our findings emphasise the importance of adopting new techniques to reduce patient risk and carry out best practices in radiology.