Technical note: A universal worksheet for failure mode and effects analysis-A project of the Japanese College of Medical Physics.

Abstract

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), which is an effective tool for error prevention, has garnered considerable attention in radiotherapy. FMEA can be performed individually, by a group or committee, and online. To meet the needs of FMEA for various purposes and improve its accessibility, we developed a simple, self-contained, and versatile web-based FMEA risk analysis worksheet. We developed an FMEA worksheet using Google products, such as Google Sheets, Google Forms, and Google Apps Script. The main sheet was created in Google Sheets and contained elements necessary for performing FMEA by a single person. Automated tasks were implemented using Apps Script to facilitate multiperson FMEA; these functions were built into buttons located on the main sheet. The usability of the FMEA worksheet was tested in several situations. The worksheet was feasible for individual, multiperson, seminar, meeting, and online purposes. Simultaneous online editing, automated survey form creation, automatic analysis, and the ability to respond to the form from multiple devices, including mobile phones, were particularly useful for online and multiperson FMEA. Automation enabled through Google Apps Script reduced the FMEA workload. The FMEA worksheet is versatile and has a seamless workflow that promotes collaborative work for safety.