Failure mode and effects analysis applied to the administration of liquid medication by oral syringes.

OBJECTIVE To carry out a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to the use of oral syringes. METHODS A multidisciplinary team was assembled within the Safety Committee.  The stages of oral administration process of liquid  medication were analysed, identifying the most critical and establishing the  potential modes of failure that can cause errors. The impact associated with  each mode of failure was calculated using the Risk Priority Number (RPN).  Preventive actions were proposed. RESULTS Five failure modes were identified, all classified as high risk (RPN>  100). Seven of the eight preventive actions were implemented. CONCLUSIONS The FMEA methodology was a useful tool. It has allowed to know  the risks, analyse the causes that cause them, their effects on patient safety and  the measures to reduce them.