Which assessment tool is utilized by an administrative team to measure the severity of mistakes in medication administration processes?

The correct answer is Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), which is a systematic method for evaluating processes to identify potential failures and their causes. In the context of medication administration, FMEA helps healthcare organizations analyze the steps involved in the medication process to determine where errors may occur. By focusing on the severity, frequency, and detection of possible failures, FMEA allows administrative teams to prioritize risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.

This approach is particularly valuable in healthcare, as it not only assesses the current state of procedures but also facilitates improvements that enhance patient safety and quality of care. By understanding the potential points of failure in medication administration, healthcare leaders can take proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of errors and improve overall patient outcomes.

In contrast, tools such as SWOT analysis, Risk Priority Number (RPN), and benchmarking serve different functions. SWOT analysis is used for strategic planning by evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats regarding a business or project. RPN, while related to risk assessment, typically involves quantifying the risk based on severity, likelihood, and detection but is often not as extensive in assessing the full process as FMEA. Benchmarking compares performance metrics with industry standards or best practices, which does not specifically dissect the medication administration