OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) on management of hospital-associated infections (HAIs) in hemodialysis center.

METHODS In Nov. 2023, the risk priority number (RPN) integrated with action priority (AP) was adopted to identify, analyze and evaluate the risk factors in management of HAIs in hemodialysis center of Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology by FMEA method. The high risk points that needed to be taken interventions were screened out, and the targeted measures were formulated to control the risks. At the end of the intervention period, a second round of risk assessment was carried out for improvement status of the high-risk points in Nov. 2024, and the effect on the management of HAIs was evaluated.

RESULTS The risk assessment was carried out for 48 risk points covering eight aspects, including organizational structure, self-inspection and supervision, staff management, environmental layout, cleaning and disinfection, surveillance, operation procedures and item management. There were 9 risk points with the RPN values greater than 125, 3 of which were with the AP value of "H". There were 8 risk points with the RPN value less than 125 and 6 risk points with the AP value dropping down to L after the targeted intervention measures were taken, indicating that the risk management has achieved favorable effect.

CONCLUSIONS The RPN and AP integrated with FMEA can accurately identify the high-risk points in the quality management of the hemodialysis center. It is necessary to take targeted intervention measures so as to boost the effect on prevention and control of HAIs in the hemodialysis center and reduce the risk of HAIs in the hemodialysis patients.