CAPA stands for Corrective and Preventive Action. It is a systematic approach taken by organizations to identify, investigate, and resolve problems or issues that have occurred in their processes or systems. The purpose of CAPA is to not only address the immediate problem but also to prevent its recurrence in the future.
In practice, CAPA involves a set of procedures that organizations follow to identify the root cause of a problem, develop an action plan to correct it, and implement preventive measures to avoid its reoccurrence. It typically includes steps such as problem identification, investigation, root cause analysis, action plan development, implementation, and effectiveness evaluation.
The Corrective Action aspect of CAPA focuses on addressing an existing problem or nonconformity. It aims to identify the underlying cause of the problem and implement actions to correct it. This may involve making changes to processes, training employees, or modifying equipment or materials.
The Preventive Action aspect of CAPA focuses on preventing similar problems from occurring in the future. It involves analyzing potential risks or issues and proactively implementing measures to mitigate or eliminate them. This may include updating procedures, conducting regular inspections or audits, or providing additional training to employees.
Overall, CAPA is a proactive approach that enables organizations to continuously improve their processes, reduce errors, enhance product quality, and maintain regulatory compliance. It is an essential component of quality management systems, particularly in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
