What is the goal of patient safety initiatives in healthcare?

The aim of patient safety initiatives in healthcare is fundamentally to prevent harm to patients during the delivery of healthcare. This focus involves creating protocols, adopting technologies, and fostering a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. By prioritizing patient safety, healthcare facilities strive to minimize medical errors, prevent adverse events, and enhance the overall quality of care received by patients.

While reducing healthcare costs, increasing patient volume, and improving billing practices are important considerations within the broader healthcare system, they do not capture the primary intent of patient safety initiatives. The core objective remains ensuring that patients are safe and that they receive care that does not put them at risk of injury or harm, solidifying the importance of safety as a fundamental pillar in the provision of healthcare services.