Application of healthcare failure mode and effect analysis in management of occupational exposure among medical professionals

Objective To observe the effectiveness of healthcare failure mode and effect analysis(HFMEA) application in management of occupational exposure,and furthermore to spread this model widely. Methods The professional HFMEA team was set up firstly and then comprehensive analysis and assessment of the risk of occupational exposure management was done. The potential failure mode and the risk factors were identified. The intervention measures were taken to reduce infection risks due to occupational exposure. Results The main failure modes and elements were equipment, personnel and management,among which personnel's RPN value was the highest. After the intervention, the total RPN value decreased by 52.50%. The accuracy of protection measure use of medical staff was increased from 58.62% to 72.45%(χ²=5.233,P<0.05), and the accuracy of handling occupational exposure was increased from 74.03% to 92.86%(χ²=10.521,P<0.05). Conclusion The application of HFMEA in the management of occupational exposure among medical staff can improve the management efficiency and reduce infection risks due to occupational exposure.