Syyseurausanalyysiä

Syyseurausanalyysiä, known in English as root cause analysis (RCA), is a systematic problem-solving method used to identify the underlying causes of an undesirable event or situation. The primary goal of RCA is to prevent recurrence by addressing the fundamental issues rather than just treating the symptoms. This process typically involves investigating an incident, gathering data, identifying contributing factors, and then pinpointing the ultimate root cause(s).

Several methodologies exist for conducting RCA. Common techniques include the "5 Whys" method, where one repeatedly asks "why" until the fundamental cause is revealed, and fishbone diagrams (Ishikawa diagrams), which help categorize potential causes into different areas like people, process, equipment, and environment. Fault tree analysis is another method, often used in safety-critical systems, which uses a deductive approach to identify the combination of events that could lead to a specific failure.

RCA is widely applied across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, and information technology. In healthcare, it's used to understand medical errors and improve patient safety. In manufacturing, it helps identify defects and inefficiencies. The effectiveness of RCA relies on a thorough investigation, objective data collection, and a commitment to implementing corrective actions. By focusing on root causes, organizations can achieve more sustainable improvements and reduce the likelihood of future problems.