How do patient safety goals differ from general safety goals?

Patient safety goals are specifically designed to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for patients in healthcare settings. These goals concentrate on minimizing risks and preventing harm to patients during their care processes. They aim to create a safe environment where patients receive appropriate treatment without avoidable complications.

By focusing on improvement specifically for patient outcomes, these goals differentiate themselves from general safety goals, which may encompass a broader range of safety issues, including the safety of staff and equipment, or financial concerns. Patient safety goals are directly tied to the experiences and well-being of patients, addressing hazards that could lead to medical errors, infections, or adverse events directly affecting patient health and recovery.

In contrast, the other options suggest areas of safety that do not align with the primary mission of patient safety goals, such as reducing costs or focusing solely on staff or equipment safety. Therefore, the emphasis on patient outcomes is what defines and distinguishes patient safety goals from more general safety aims.