What does the 'Fishbone' diagram help to identify?

The 'Fishbone' diagram, also known as the Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is a tool designed specifically to identify and analyze potential causes of a specific problem or effect. Its visual format resembles the skeleton of a fish, with the main "bone" representing the effect or problem, and various "bones" branching off to indicate different categories of causes, such as people, processes, materials, and environment. By organizing potential causes in this manner, teams are able to systematically explore all possible factors contributing to a specific issue, facilitating comprehensive root cause analysis.

This methodology is particularly beneficial in quality and safety assessments, allowing stakeholders to collaboratively identify areas that require attention and improvement, ultimately driving more effective decision-making and problem-solving strategies within organizations. It is not focused on historical outcomes, financial issues, or patient satisfaction levels, as these are not the primary function of the Fishbone diagram.