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 National Center for Patient Safety
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HFMEA™ Decision Tree
The HFMEA Decision Tree™ is used to determine whether the failure mode warrants further action on the basis of a lack of detectability, criticality, and absence of effective control measures.
Click yes or no to go through Decision Tree.
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Does this hazard involve a sufficient likelihood of occurrence and severity to warrant that it be controlled?
(Hazard Score of 8 or higher)
Yes No
Q: How do I measure whether a failure mode cause needs to be controlled?
A: Use the HFMEA Scoring Matrix™ |
Is this a single point of weakness in the process?
[Criticality]
Yes No
Q: What is a single point weakness?
A: If the step in the process is so critical that its failure will result in system failure or in an adverse event then you have identified a single point weakness. For example, momentary interruption of the power supply that would result in loss of data.
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Does an effective control measure exist for the identified hazard?
[Controlled]
Yes No
Q: What is an effective control measure?
A: An Effective control measure serves as a barrier that eliminates or substantially reduces the likelihood of a hazardous event occuring. For example, an anesthesiology machine may prevent cross-connection of medical gases through the use of pin indexing and connectors that have different threads. |
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Is the hazard so obvious and readily apparent that a control measure is not warranted?
[Detectability]
Yes No
Q: What would be an example of a hazard that is detectable?
A: Must be so visible and obvious that it will be discovered before it interferes with completion of task and activity.
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Return to JQI Article - Using Healthcare Failure Modes and Effects Analysis™
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Document rationale for all Stop decisions on the worksheet
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