What is the primary goal of risk management in healthcare?

The primary goal of risk management in healthcare is to identify, assess, and prioritize risks. This process involves systematically evaluating potential hazards that could negatively impact patients, staff, or the organization as a whole. By identifying risks, healthcare organizations can implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring a safer environment for patients and reducing the likelihood of adverse events. This proactive approach is essential in maintaining high standards of care and continuously improving healthcare quality.

While increasing patient satisfaction, managing healthcare costs, and providing more healthcare options are important objectives for healthcare organizations, they are not the primary focus of risk management. These goals often stem from effective risk management practices, as reducing risks can lead to enhanced patient experiences and potentially lower costs. However, the core of risk management lies in effectively understanding and addressing the various risks that healthcare settings face.