Which of the following is a type of corrective action that might follow a root cause analysis?

• A. Increased patient loads
• B. Delayed maintenance
• C. Process changes
• D. Punitive actions

Answer: (C)

Corrective actions after root cause analysis aim to fix the underlying ways work is done so the problem doesn’t happen again. Making process changes directly addresses the ways a failure occurs by updating procedures, adding safeguards, or redesigning workflows to close the gaps identified. Increasing patient loads doesn’t fix the root cause and can worsen risk. Delaying maintenance reduces reliability and leaves the underlying issue unaddressed. Punitive actions focus on people rather than repairing the system, so they don’t solve the systemic weaknesses revealed by the analysis. Therefore, process changes are the best fit for a corrective action following root cause analysis.