Work

The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) Application in the Healthcare Sector: Lessons Learned from Two Case Studies on Medical Device Management

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In the recent literature, numerous tools have been found that have been used to evaluate and improve the resilience of socio-technical systems such as hospitals. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) is certainly one of the most diffused, as it can provide information on the system structure and its components through a systemic analysis approach. FRAM has been successfully applied in different contexts. However, in the healthcare sector, only a few studies propose practical analyses that can support practitioners in systematically observing and analyzing events, both when things go right and when they go wrong. To reduce such a research gap, the current study focuses on the application of FRAM to two different case studies: (1) an accident that occurred in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy unit, and (2) the risk assessment of a magnetic resonance imaging unit. The results show the effectiveness of FRAM in detecting discrepancies and vulnerabilities in the practical management of these devices, providing valuable insights not only regarding the analysis of adverse events (i.e., retrospectively) but also concerning the improvement of safety procedures (i.e., prospectively).

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app14209495

Authors: Mario Fargnoli, Luca Murgianu, Massimo Tronci

Institution: Sapienza University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Quality and Safety in Healthcare

Subfield: Medical Laboratory Technology

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728