What type of analysis identifies the underlying causes of performance problems?

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach used to identify the fundamental reasons or underlying causes of performance problems in various settings, including healthcare. By focusing on these root causes, organizations can implement solutions that address the issue effectively, rather than merely treating symptoms or superficial factors.

This type of analysis often involves collecting data, brainstorming potential factors contributing to the performance issue, and using techniques like the "5 Whys" or fishbone diagrams to delve deeper into the problem. The goal is to uncover the true source of the problem to ensure that corrective measures are both effective and sustainable over the long term.

In contrast, other types of analysis like design analysis generally focus on the architecture or planning of systems and processes, statistical analysis emphasizes interpreting quantitative data, and comparative analysis looks at differences and similarities between data sets or performance metrics. These methods may not specifically target the underlying causes of issues but rather focus on understanding or illustrating performance from different angles.