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Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) refers to a problem-solving approach to identify the underlying causes for gaps within system processes. RCA often takes probing questions and/or data to identify the event or series of events that create a failure. Common tools include the Fishbone diagram, the 5 Whys, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). RCA is an integral part of continuous quality improvement and allows teams to implement long-term solutions that address the root issue rather than just its symptoms.

Key Steps

  • Identify your problem within your process or system.
  • Use a process map to visualize the overall process or event from start to finish. This will help you make notes of where gaps occur throughout your process.
  • List out potential causes for these gaps. You can use either a brainstorming activity or diagram (e.g. Fishbone diagram).
  • From this list of potential causes, identify the root cause using a tool (e.g. 5 Whys). Ideally aim to identify the leading cause that started the chain of events in the process.

Resources to Get Started

Read
  • 鈥� This article from the American Society of Quality (ASQ) provides more details about RCA and different approaches to identifying and analyzing root causes in systems and processes.
  • 鈥� This article from ASQ provides tips on how to complete a brainstorming and affinity diagram activity. This technique could be used to help complete an RCA with your team.
Use
  • Cause and Effect Diagram Template 鈥� Also know a Fishbone Diagram, this visual tool is used to identify and categorize the potential root causes of a problem
  • FMEA Template 鈥� 聽This tool is used to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential failures in a process, ultimately aiming to prevent failures or mitigate their impact.聽
Watch
  • 聽鈥� A brief article and video from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) describing how to use the 5 whys, which is a technique that identifies the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking “why” five times, each time directing the current “why” to the answer of the previous “why”.聽 (Video 鈥� 1:16)
  • 聽(also known as Fishbone Diagram) 鈥� A brief article and video from IHI describing how to use a cause-and-effect diagram (Video 鈥� 5:15)
  • 聽(FMEA) 鈥� A brief article and video from IHI describing how to use a FMEA (Video 鈥� 2:20)

Related Concepts

  • Data Visualization & Analysis 鈥� Data visualization and analysis is a great way to objectively identify potential gaps that may exist in your process.
  • Driver Diagram 鈥� This tool outlines 鈥渄rivers鈥� or key influences that can impact your project. RCA cause be a great way to help identify your drivers
  • Process Mapping 鈥� Mapping out your process can help you understand your overall project and potential gaps that may exists
  • Project Charter 鈥� This document which outlines the project purpose and goals often includes the problem statement and potential gaps that may exists