What organization was established in 1997 to support improvements in patient safety?

The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) was established in 1997 with the dedicated mission of improving patient safety within the healthcare system. The organization was created in response to growing concerns about the prevalence of medical errors and the need for a concentrated effort to enhance safety measures. Its establishment marked a significant point in the movement toward recognizing and addressing patient safety as a critical aspect of healthcare quality.

The NPSF aimed to foster research, advocate for policy changes, educate healthcare professionals and organizations, and promote a culture of safety throughout healthcare settings. This foundational work laid the groundwork for developing systems and practices that prioritize patient well-being, reducing the risk of harm.

While the other organizations mentioned may play important roles in the healthcare field, they were not specifically founded with the primary focus on patient safety improvements like the NPSF. The American Medical Association, for instance, has been involved in various aspects of healthcare policy and advocacy but is broader in scope. The Patient Safety Alliance and the Healthcare Quality Improvement Committee may address patient safety, but they do not have the same historical significance or dedicated focus on patient safety as the NPSF.