What is the primary goal of patient safety in healthcare?

The primary goal of patient safety in healthcare is to prevent harm to patients during the provision of healthcare services. This focus is foundational to ensuring that patients receive care that is both effective and devoid of unnecessary risks. Patient safety encompasses a variety of practices and protocols designed to reduce errors, avoid adverse events, and create a safe environment for treatment.

Preventing harm is essential because it directly relates to the well-being of patients. Effective patient safety measures help in identifying potential hazards, implementing strategies to mitigate these risks, and fostering a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining trust and achieving positive outcomes in patient care.

While enhancing healthcare quality, minimizing operational costs, and improving patient satisfaction are important aspects of healthcare, they are secondary to the imperative of patient safety. Focusing primarily on preventing harm ensures that the fundamental requirement of care—protecting patients—remains the priority in all healthcare settings.