What is the primary motive for conducting a root cause analysis after an unexpected event?

Conducting a root cause analysis after an unexpected event is centered on understanding the fundamental reasons behind the occurrence to prevent similar events from happening in the future. The primary aim is to systematically identify the underlying issues that contributed to the incident, which allows organizations to develop effective strategies and interventions designed to address those specific root causes.

By focusing on prevention, the analysis facilitates a comprehensive examination of processes, systems, and behaviors that may have led to the unexpected outcome. This commitment to identifying and mitigating risks ultimately enhances patient safety and promotes an environment of continuous improvement in healthcare practices.

While the other options may seem relevant in various contexts, they do not encapsulate the primary motive of root cause analysis as effectively as prevention does. Assigning blame detracts from the goal of learning and improving, gathering information for legal purposes focuses on liability rather than safety, and finding solutions to improve patient care is more of a secondary benefit that arises from understanding and addressing root causes.