Why analysis is a technique used to drill down to
the root cause of a problem (www.isixsigma.com The source of a problem is revealed by asking at least five
times why a problem is occurring. For example:
. Why was the patient readmitted to the hospital?
Because the patient developed an infection post surgery.
. Why did the patient develop an infection?
Because the patient did not receive appropriate follow-up care.
. Why did the patient not receive appropriate follow-up care?
Because the patient was unable to schedule a follow-up
appointment with a provider.
. Why was the patient unable to schedule a follow-up appointment?
Because there is a two-month wait to get in to see a provider
.
Why is there a two-month wait to see a provider?
Because the facility is currently short-staffed.
