What is the primary objective of a patient safety program?

The primary objective of a patient safety program is to minimize the risk of harm to patients during their care. This focus is crucial in healthcare because ensuring patient safety directly impacts patient outcomes, trust in healthcare services, and overall quality of care. By identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate those risks, healthcare facilities can create a safer environment for patients.

This involves systematic efforts such as error reporting systems, patient education, and protocols designed to prevent adverse events. A successful patient safety program focuses on continuous monitoring and improvement, which is key to enhancing the quality of care that patients receive. Other objectives, while important, do not align as closely with the central mission of patient safety initiatives, which predominantly revolve around protecting patients from harm.