Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a tool for conducting a systematic, proactive analysis of a process in which harm may occur12.
In an FMEA, a team representing all areas of the process under review convenes to predict and record where, how, and to what extent the system might fail12.
FMEA is used to identify all possible failures in a design, a manufacturing or assembly process, or a product or service, and to study the consequences of those failures2.
FMEA is a prospective assessment that identifies and improves steps in a process and reasonably ensures a safe and clinically desirable outcome1.
FMEA is a common process analysis tool that can help healthcare quality professionals to prevent errors, reduce variation, and improve patient safety1234.
FMEA is applied when a new or modified process, function, or service with an associated hazard has not yet been implemented, or when improvement goals are planned for an existing process, function, or service2.
FMEA procedure involves the following steps2:
Assemble a cross-functional team of people with diverse knowledge about the process, product, or service, and customer needs.
Identify the scope and boundaries of the FMEA.
Fill in the identifying information at the top of the FMEA form.
Brainstorm potential failure modes and their causes and effects.
Assign a risk priority number (RPN) to each failure mode based on the severity, occurrence, and detectability of the failure.
Prioritize the failure modes for action based on the RPNs.
Identify and implement corrective actions to eliminate or reduce the high-risk failure modes.
Evaluate the results and monitor the effectiveness of the actions.
Update the FMEA as needed.
Reference: 1: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis - Ministry of Health 2: What is FMEA? Failure Mode & Effects Analysis | ASQ 3: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | Digital Healthcare Research 4: Healthcare FMEA | Healthcare Failure Mode & Effects Analysis - Quality-One

In the context of population health, data is essential for identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from targeted interventions.
Here's why:
Targeted Interventions:
Identifying high-risk patients allows healthcare providers to allocate resources more efficiently and design interventions that are specifically tailored to those most in need, improving overall population health outcomes.
Preventive Care:
By focusing on high-risk patients, the organization can implement preventive measures that reduce the likelihood of adverse health outcomes, which is a key objective in population health management.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
Data enables the identification of patterns and trends within the population, helping to stratify patients based on risk and prioritize care for those at the highest risk of complications or poor outcomes.
Resource Optimization:
Identifying high-risk patients helps in optimizing the use of healthcare resources by focusing efforts on those who require the most attention, leading to more effective management of the population's health.
While determining the voice of the customer, identifying high-risk low-volume processes, and determining high-cost procedures are valuable, the primary use of data in population health is to identify high-risk patients for targeted interventions.
Reference: NAHQ Guide to Population Health Management
NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework: Data Analytics and Risk Stratification

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as education, income, and social support, distinct from clinical or biological factors.
Option A (High body mass index): BMI is a clinical health outcome, not an SDOH.
Option B (Advanced age): Age is a demographic factor, not a primary SDOH, though it may interact with social factors.
Option C (Low literacy level): This is the correct answer. The NAHQ CPHQ study guide states, "Low literacy level is a social determinant of health, impacting health behaviors and access to care" (Domain 5). It affects understanding of medical instructions and health navigation.
Option D (Poorly managed chronic condition): This is a health outcome, not an SDOH.
CPHQ Objective Reference: Domain 5: Population Health and Care Transitions, Objective 5.4, "Incorporate SDOH into health strategies," includes literacy as an SDOH. The NAHQ study guide notes, "Literacy significantly influences health literacy and outcomes" (Domain 5).
Rationale: Low literacy is a key SDOH, impacting health management, as per CPHQ's population health principles.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 5: Population Health and Care Transitions, Objective 5.4.