RCA Corrective Actions Flashcards

What is the significance of 'lateral spreading' a corrective action in RCA?

Answer: Sharing a corrective action across all similar processes or systems that may have the same root cause

Lateral spreading applies a proven corrective action to all similar processes, equipment, or locations that share the same root cause, preventing failures elsewhere.

In RCA, what does it mean for a corrective action to be 'sustainable'?

Answer: It will remain effective over time without requiring constant human intervention or monitoring

A sustainable corrective action does not depend on ongoing vigilance or memory; it is built into the process or system so it continues working reliably over time.

What is 'regression' in the context of RCA corrective action follow-up?

Answer: The return of a previously solved problem, indicating the corrective action was ineffective

Regression in RCA refers to a previously corrected problem recurring, which signals that the original corrective action did not fully eliminate the root cause.

Why is 'stakeholder communication' important when implementing corrective actions in RCA?

Answer: To ensure affected parties understand the changes, their roles, and expected results

Communicating corrective actions to stakeholders ensures everyone understands what is changing, why, and what they need to do differently to support successful implementation.

In RCA, what does 'lessons learned' documentation capture after a corrective action is implemented?

Answer: Key insights from the investigation and corrective action that can improve future processes or responses

Lessons learned documentation captures what was discovered during the RCA and what worked or did not work, so the organization can apply these insights to prevent similar failures in the future.

What is a 'corrective action closure criterion' in RCA?

Answer: A pre-defined measurable standard that must be met before a corrective action is officially considered complete

Closure criteria define specific, measurable evidence (such as zero recurrences over 30 days) that must be demonstrated before a corrective action is formally closed.