ROot Cause
Purpose
A Root Cause Analysis (also known as the “5 Whys”) helps identify the source of a problem. This template investigates what is really causing a problem by asking a series of why questions to move beyond symptoms to causes. When a root cause is removed or addressed, the undesirable effects, or symptoms will no longer be present.
Related Tools
A Root Cause Analysis may be performed after contributing factors to a problem are identified using a Fishbone Diagram or Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA). Once a root cause is identified with a Root Cause Analysis, a mPDSA should be used to test ways to remove or address the root cause.