What is the main function of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

The main function of a root cause analysis (RCA) is to identify underlying causes of adverse events and prevent recurrence. RCA is a systematic approach used in healthcare to investigate incidents that result in patient harm or potential harm. By identifying the root causes, organizations can implement changes to processes, systems, or behaviors that contributed to the event. This proactive approach not only helps to address current issues but also aims to improve overall safety and quality of care, reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of RCA. Financial reports, patient satisfaction surveys, and employee performance evaluations serve different functions within healthcare management and do not focus specifically on crucial safety concerns and incident prevention, which are central to the RCA methodology.