CAPAcorrective

CAPAcorrective is a term used in quality management to denote the corrective-action phase of the CAPA cycle, focusing on identifying root causes of nonconformities and implementing actions to eliminate their recurrence. CAPA stands for Corrective and Preventive Action, and CAPAcorrective specifically targets corrections that address the underlying issues revealed by a deviation, audit finding, complaint, or defect. In practice, CAPAcorrective encompasses problem reporting, containment or short-term mitigation, root cause analysis, action plan development, implementation of corrective actions, verification of effectiveness, and thorough documentation.

Typical activities include performing a root cause analysis using methods such as the 5 Whys or fishbone diagrams, selecting corrective actions with defined owners and due dates, and validating that the changes prevent recurrence without introducing new risks. Documentation supports regulatory compliance and audit readiness, with records including the problem description, root cause rationale, action plans, evidence of implementation, and post-action effectiveness checks.

CAPAcorrective is a core component of quality management systems in many regulated industries, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. It is often integrated with risk management, change control, and supplier quality management, and may be supported by dedicated CAPA management software. While effective CAPAcorrective programs reduce nonconformities and improve product quality, they require management commitment, cross-functional teamwork, and metrics to monitor closure timeliness and sustained effectiveness.