Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes patient safety?

1. The prevention of patient injuries during surgical procedures

2. The avoidance of adverse events in healthcare delivery

3. The management of patient expectations in treatment

4. The regulation of healthcare staff performance

The correct answer is: The avoidance of adverse events in healthcare delivery

The concept of patient safety is best captured by the avoidance of adverse events in healthcare delivery. Patient safety encompasses a broad range of practices and protocols designed to protect patients from harm while receiving medical care. This includes preventing errors and adverse events that may occur during diagnosis, treatment, and care processes. Adverse events can include any incident that could have caused harm to a patient, such as medication errors, falls, infections, or surgical complications. Focusing on the avoidance of these harmful situations allows healthcare organizations to implement strategies that improve overall care quality and promote a culture of safety. While the prevention of patient injuries during surgical procedures measures a specific aspect of patient safety, it does not encompass all the various scenarios where patients could be at risk. Similarly, managing patient expectations and regulating healthcare staff performance are important elements within the broader context of healthcare quality, but they do not directly define the concept of patient safety itself. Their focus is more on communication and personnel management rather than directly on preventing harm to patients.