ASQ Tools

Cause-and-Effect Diagram for Dr. Ramos's Family Clinic; the "Fishbone Diagram"
Description Patients Desk Clerk Doctors

This template illustrates a Cause Forget used to old

careless
and Effect Diagram, also called a appointment system
Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram. A
detailed discussion of Cause and not careful about can't handle more
don't bring ID
Effect Diagrams can be found at patient data patients
www.ASQ.org
no proper not filling in
late, no shows
insurance E.H.R. data

not following new

can’t pay can't use E.H.R.
Instructions system

• Enter the Problem Statement in expired credit not

ignore real issues
box provided. cards communicating

• Brainstorm the major check doesn't go no proper check- not pay attention
categories of the problem. through in task to nurses The Clinic's main
Generic headings are provided. Issues
don't listen to may dislike new
forgets tasks
doctors system Poorly managed
• Write the categories of causes
E.H.R. system
as branches from the main implementation.
arrow. Corrupted data
Learn More trainer is can cause new sets result.
needs testing
expensive hazards
To learn more about other quality
tools, visit the ASQ Learn About not saved, no not enough time breakdowns can
Quality web site. backups to train be frequent

not used correctly staff forgets quick costly

staff needs staff might not

Leaving data out
repetition like it

New software: staff needs time

staff learns slow
staff untrained to know it

New software: training is

can be faulty
bugs inefficient

staff must be
E.H.R. System can be untested
trained

Software implementation Training staff New Hardware