What is meant by risk management in health services?

Risk management in health services refers to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to reduce potential harm to patients, staff, and healthcare organizations. This systematic approach involves recognizing vulnerabilities that could lead to adverse events, analyzing the likelihood and impact of these risks, and implementing strategies to minimize or eliminate them. This process is essential for ensuring patient safety, improving the quality of care, and maintaining compliance with regulations and standards within the healthcare environment.

Options related to increasing expenditures, enhancing waiting times, or maximizing the use of resources do not align with the primary focus of risk management, which is primarily about protecting patients and improving safety. Instead, the core concept revolves around understanding and controlling risks to foster a safer healthcare experience for all stakeholders involved.