This course will describe the care and safety of the patient receiving non-interventional radiographic procedures and additional aspects of patient care being provided by the Radiology staff. Patient safety is defined as the prevention of harm and is a “fundamental right of all Americans” (Kizer & Blum, nd). Achieving this safe care is complex, and there are many obstacles in the way of accomplishing this level of care. It is recommended that all healthcare organizations make the safety of the patient a priority when delivering care and services to that patient. This priority can be introduced and implemented by the executive committee of the facility establishing patient safety programs with defined executive responsibility and with the creation of a culture of safety.

Objectives

After studying the information presented, the reader should be able to:

• Pinpoint steps that should be taken to create and maintain a safe environment in which to provide care to patients.
• Name the components of a Patient Safety Program.
• Identify the two major groups of patient’s rights.
• Describe an example of an error’s classification system.
• Define Sentinel Event and provide an example of one addressing radiology services.
• Discuss alternatives to punishing people for making mistakes.
• Describe a method using an everyday product to improve patient safety.