An FMEA on the training of staff to evacuate patients from a hospital ward

A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), conducted on the training of staff to evacuate patients from a hospital ward, has identified 12 potential failure modes and their effects. For most of these failure modes, an action has been recommended to reduce their likelihood, reduce their consequences or eliminate them completely. One identified failure mode, however — the potential for trainees to suffer fatigue — does not have a corresponding action. The effects of fatigue are unavoidable and reflect the realities of patient evacuation. Successful staff training requires effective and timely pre-planning, and good communication and collaboration with managers at all levels, ward staff and other professionals such as back care and infection control specialists.