In the context of healthcare, what does patient safety encompass?

Patient safety primarily involves protecting patients from medical errors and harm, making it a fundamental component of healthcare quality. This encompasses various practices and protocols designed to minimize the risk of adverse events associated with medical care. The goal is to ensure that patients receive care in an environment where their safety is the top priority, which includes strategies for error prevention and harm reduction during diagnosis, treatment, and care processes.

While other aspects such as financial management, quality of medical supplies, and efficiency of healthcare delivery services are important in the overall functioning of healthcare systems, they do not directly address the core principle of patient safety. Ensuring that patients are not subjected to preventable harm is crucial for fostering trust and positive outcomes in healthcare settings. Prioritizing patient safety ultimately contributes to the overall effectiveness and quality of care in healthcare facilities.