Threats to Patient Safety

Patient safety is a primary concern for every health care worker. Safety concerns begin the moment a patient enters a health care facility to the point at which the patient is discharged. Yet there are many points where quality and safety can break down. Consider what Dr. Arthur mentioned in this week's video presentation about health care professionals being the vectors and how many patients acquire additional illnesses during their time at a health facility. As discussed in this week's resources and media presentations, policies and reimbursement strategies are attempting to improve patient safety and the quality of care.

To prepare for this Discussion, review the materials presented this week .

Then, address the following

1. Discuss one of the major threats to patient safety in hospital, home, or community settings.

2. Discuss the role of nursing in addressing the patient safety threat.

3. Support your ideas or those of others with references from the professional nursing literature.