What does the Swiss Cheese Model illustrate regarding patient safety risks?

The Swiss Cheese Model is a widely recognized framework in patient safety that illustrates how errors can slip through various layers of defenses, much like holes in slices of Swiss cheese. Each slice of cheese represents a layer of protection, such as policies, procedures, and safety measures within a healthcare system. When these layers have gaps or holes, it increases the likelihood that patient safety risks can bypass these defenses, ultimately leading to adverse events or errors in patient care.

This model emphasizes the importance of a system approach to safety rather than blaming individuals. It highlights that while clinicians play a crucial role in the delivery of safe care, multiple systemic factors contribute to the occurrence of errors. Therefore, understanding this model encourages healthcare organizations to focus on strengthening their overall safety systems rather than isolating issues to individual performance or accountability.

The other choices do not reflect the comprehensive nature of the Swiss Cheese Model. For instance, the model does not focus solely on clinician performance but rather on the entire system's protective mechanisms. It does not emphasize the chronological order of errors, as its primary concern is identifying vulnerabilities in the system at various points. Additionally, it supports a collaborative approach to safety, which contrasts with an exclusive promotion of individual accountability. Overall, option B aligns perfectly with the core concept of