Structured what-if technique

The structured what-if technique (SWIFT) is a prospective hazards analysis method that uses structured brainstorming with guidewords and prompts to identify risks,^[1] with the aim of being quicker than more intensive methods like failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).^[2][3] It is used in various settings, including healthcare.^[1][2][3][4]

As with other methods, SWIFT may not be comprehensive and the approach has some limitations. In a healthcare context, SWIFT was found to reveal significant risks, but like similar methods (including healthcare failure mode and effects analysis) it may have limited validity when used in isolation.^[2]