What Is Root Cause Analysis?
Root cause analysis (RCA) is the process of discovering the root causes of problems to identify appropriate solutions. RCA assumes that it is much more effective to systematically prevent and solve for underlying issues rather than just treating ad-hoc symptoms and putting out fires. Root cause analysis can be performed with a collection of principles, techniques, and methodologies that can all be leveraged to identify the root causes of an event or trend. Looking beyond superficial cause and effect, RCA can show where processes or systems failed or caused an issue in the first place.
What Are the Goal and Benefits of Root Cause Analysis?
The first goal of root cause analysis is to discover the root cause of a problem or event. The second goal is to fully understand how to fix, compensate, or learn from any underlying issues within the root cause. The third goal is to apply what we learn from this analysis to systematically prevent future issues or to repeat successes. Analysis is only as good as what we do with that analysis, so the third goal of RCA is important. We can use RCA to also modify core process and system issues in a way that prevents future problems.
Approaches To Root Cause Analysis
There are many methodologies, approaches, and techniques for conducting root cause analysis, including:
- Events and causal factor analysis: Widely used for major, single-event problems, such as a refinery explosion, this process uses evidence gathered quickly and methodically to establish a timeline for the activities leading up to the accident. Once the timeline has been established, the causal and contributing factors can be identified.
- Change analysis: This approach is applicable to situations where a system’s performance has shifted significantly. It explores changes made in people, equipment, information, and more that may have contributed to the change in performance.
- Barrier analysis: This technique focuses on what controls are in place in the process to either prevent or detect a problem, and which might have failed.
- Management oversight and risk tree analysis: One aspect of this approach is the use of a tree diagram to look at what occurred and why it might have occurred.
- Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision Making: This model provides four distinct phases for resolving problems:
- Situation analysis
- Problem analysis
- Solution analysis
- Potential problem analysis
Steps to Take for Root Cause Analysis
Step 1: Identify Possible Causal Factors
During the situation analysis, the project team set the vision, identified the problem, and collect data needed to better understand the current situation. The team can use that information to identify causal factors – for e.g., things that cause or contribute to the health problem.
To identify causal factors, ask:
- What sequence of events leads to the problem?
- What conditions allow the problem to occur? [E.g., traditional values and practices]
- What problems co-exist with the central problem and might contribute to it? [E.g., lack of health facilities]
- Identify as many causal factors as possible. Start with the problem and brainstorm causal factors for that problem by asking “Why?” The desk review conducted during the situation analysis and a stakeholders’ workshop are good places to find causal factors. Project staff can also ask themselves (based on their own experience) and stakeholders “why” or “so what” questions to identify causal factors.
Step 2: Identify the Root Cause
Root causes are seldom found in the most obvious causes. It is important to dig deeper and continue to ask “why?” until nearly all responses have been exhausted or roots that seem important to address are reached. There are several useful methods for identifying root causes.
One method for identifying root causes is to construct a root cause tree. Start with the problem and brainstorm causal factors for that problem by asking why. Connect them in a logical cause and effect order until arriving at the root of the problem.
Step 3: Identify Communication Challenges
Now ask which root causes are challenges that health communication can and should address – communication challenges – and which are not. Share findings of other root cause with local authorities and leaders or organizations that might be able to address them.
Step 4: Prioritize Communication Challenges
If root cause analysis identifies more than one communication challenge, decide which challenge to address first. Rank root causes in order, starting with the main cause (key communication problem). To determine rank, consider:
- The potential impact of addressing the communication challenge. The greater the potential impact, the more important it is to address.
- How difficult it will be to reach the audience associated with the communication challenge.
- Other resources are available to address the communication challenge. There may be other partners working on that communication challenge or additional funding streams available.
- Whether there is a logical order in which to address the communication challenges. It may make more sense to address negative provider attitudes before generating demand for provider services.
- If more than one causal factor is linked to the root cause. When a root cause is the source of multiple causal factors, it indicates that addressing the root cause can have far-reaching effects.
Ready to Take Your Next Step In Finding Out The Root Cause To Your Problem?
Problem-solving is a major challenge for any organization. What do you do when you have a problem at work? Do you jump straight in and find solutions, or do you stop to consider whether there’s actually a deeper problem that needs your attention? If you only fix the current problem – what you see on the surface – the problem will almost certainly return, and need fixing over, and over again. To find out how you can conduct a root cause analysis, learn from our expert, Mr. Andrew Cheah now!
Check out Aventis Learning Group’s Course – Applying Root Cause Analysis for Effective Problem Solving & Corrective Action (LIVE Stream). Get learning and kick-start your career today.
For more information, you can reach out to us at (65) 6720 3333 or training.aventis@gmail.com.
Sources:
Root Cause Analysis Explained: Definition, Examples, and Methods
