Swiss Cheese metaphor

The effective management of medical equipment-related risk requires a meaningful and practical framework or paradigm from which to start. As described here. Reason s modified Swiss cheese model provides one such paradigm. Metaphorically and conceptually, the model also tends to be readily understood, which further aids in its acceptance as a risk management tool. 

Perneger, T.V. 2005. The Swiss cheese model of safety incidents Are there holes in the metaphor BMC Health Services Research. 5 71. 

The Swiss Cheese Model of Accident Causation is a prerequisite for understanding the dynamics of the emerging risk and organizational defenses that are necessary to improve safety. Figure 4.2 illustrates the model, using its metaphor, a wedge of Swiss cheese. The model was described in detail in Chapter Three here, a metaphorical exploration of the model amplifies its implications for accepting leadership responsibility. 

Swiss Cheese Model of Accident Causation (Introduction) A metaphorical, visual representation of the nature of emerging risks in complex systems characterized by vulnerabilities as well as defenses. 

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