What is the primary focus of risk management in healthcare?

The primary focus of risk management in healthcare is centered around preventing loss through proactive approaches. This involves identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them before they can impact patient safety, operational efficiency, or financial stability. By anticipating risks—such as medical errors, legal liabilities, and other safety-related issues—healthcare organizations can create systems and protocols aimed at minimizing harm to patients and reducing the likelihood of negative outcomes.

This proactive stance not only safeguards patients but also supports the long-term viability of the healthcare organization by reducing costs associated with legal claims, insurance premiums, and other losses related to unanticipated incidents. Ultimately, effective risk management leads to improved patient safety and quality of care, forming a crucial component of overall healthcare quality assurance practices.