Background Healthcare systems are critical to the well-being of the society. In such a setting, the ability of the system to perform its intended mission/function during the designed period of time (ie, reliability) is essential. However, there remains a scarcity of literature, suggesting how the concept of reliability can be addressed in the context of critical healthcare infrastructure systems.

Methods We recognise the importance of healthcare in the context of critical infrastructures. These systems produce goods and services essential for maintaining and sustaining public well-being. We suggest the use of failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (FAMECA) approach to increase reliability in critical healthcare systems. Phases of FAMECA are described.

Results After reviewing the application of FAMECA and describing its basics, authors describe critical healthcare sector in terms of components, organisations, management and non-healthcare interdependent systems. The resulting application indicates applicability of the approach and articulates failure modes, effects and development of possible solutions to such modes and effects to increase reliability. The presented application, however, is very general and specific case applications are needed.

Conclusions A decision to suggest the FAMECA as a methodological approach in critical healthcare systems is pivotal to improving systems reliability and enhances the ability of the system to meet its intended missions during the designed period of time. The utility of FAMECA is found in its ability to identify potential failure modes, their effects and suggesting remedial efforts, including tools and technologies to address failure modes and their effects.