In the context of the NGN, what is meant by Patient Safety?

Patient safety is a critical component of healthcare that emphasizes the prevention of harm to patients during the provision of healthcare. Ensuring safe medication administration and procedures encompasses a broad range of practices and protocols aimed at minimizing risks and preventing errors that can lead to adverse events. This includes verifying medication dosages, understanding drug interactions, following proper protocols for surgical procedures, and adhering to infection control measures.

When patient safety is prioritized, healthcare professionals provide care in a manner that protects patients from potential harm while promoting their overall well-being and health outcomes. Although patient comfort, hospital policies, and patient rights are important aspects of healthcare delivery, they do not directly address the crucial elements of risk management and safety practices that protect patients from harm. Thus, the focus on safe medication administration and procedures is foundational to fostering a safe healthcare environment.