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National Patient Safety Goals Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
Question:Introduction
Ans: In view of recent studies that have shown an alarming number of medical errors
in the United States, causing thousands of unnecessary injuries and deaths, the Joint
Commission has developed an evolving set of patient safety initiatives to address some
of these problems.
The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) consists of specific
patient safety goals and descriptive measures to meet these goals. These goals apply
to all Joint Commission-accredited institutions.
This program will discuss the Joint Commission's current patient safety goals, the
requirements that are mandated to meet those goals and the Elements of
Performance that have been identified as methods to meet each requirement.
In addition to these goals, we will also describe the Joint Commission's Universal
Protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery
Question: Safety Goals
Ans: Before discussing the patient safety goals and elements of performance to meet
those goals, it is important to note that the Joint Commission has developed goals for
the variety of patient care settings and programs it accredits—including home care
agencies, laboratories, and ambulatory surgi-centers—not just acute care hospitals.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the specific goals that apply to your facility.
Question: Improve the Accuracy of Patient Identification
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Ans: Use two forms of identification
The first goal is to improve the accuracy of patient identification. You should use at
least two forms of patient identification every time you administer medications or
blood products, take blood samples, or perform treatments and procedures. If the
patient has a wristband, acceptable identifiers include name, ID number, or barcode if
the barcode itself includes two patient-specific identifiers. The room number is never
an acceptable patient identifier.
The Patient Safety Goals identify that newborn patients are at greater risk of
misidentification. Examples of methods to prevent misidentification of newborn
patients can include:
Using distinct naming systems to include the mother's first and last names with the
newborn's gender (for example: Wilson, Cathy Girl or Wilson, Cathy Girl A and Wilson,
Cathy Girl B for multiples)
Standardized practices for identification banding
Working with staff to communicate when newborns have similar names, etc.
In addition, all specimen containers should be labeled in the presence of the patient.
Question: Improve the Effectiveness of Communication Among
Caregivers
National Patient Safety Goals Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
Question:Introduction
Ans: In view of recent studies that have shown an alarming number of medical errors
in the United States, causing thousands of unnecessary injuries and deaths, the Joint
Commission has developed an evolving set of patient safety initiatives to address some
of these problems.
The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) consists of specific
patient safety goals and descriptive measures to meet these goals. These goals apply
to all Joint Commission-accredited institutions.
This program will discuss the Joint Commission's current patient safety goals, the
requirements that are mandated to meet those goals and the Elements of
Performance that have been identified as methods to meet each requirement.
In addition to these goals, we will also describe the Joint Commission's Universal
Protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery
Question: Safety Goals
Ans: Before discussing the patient safety goals and elements of performance to meet
those goals, it is important to note that the Joint Commission has developed goals for
the variety of patient care settings and programs it accredits—including home care
agencies, laboratories, and ambulatory surgi-centers—not just acute care hospitals.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the specific goals that apply to your facility.
Question: Improve the Accuracy of Patient Identification
, Page | 2
Ans: Use two forms of identification
The first goal is to improve the accuracy of patient identification. You should use at
least two forms of patient identification every time you administer medications or
blood products, take blood samples, or perform treatments and procedures. If the
patient has a wristband, acceptable identifiers include name, ID number, or barcode if
the barcode itself includes two patient-specific identifiers. The room number is never
an acceptable patient identifier.
The Patient Safety Goals identify that newborn patients are at greater risk of
misidentification. Examples of methods to prevent misidentification of newborn
patients can include:
Using distinct naming systems to include the mother's first and last names with the
newborn's gender (for example: Wilson, Cathy Girl or Wilson, Cathy Girl A and Wilson,
Cathy Girl B for multiples)
Standardized practices for identification banding
Working with staff to communicate when newborns have similar names, etc.
In addition, all specimen containers should be labeled in the presence of the patient.
Question: Improve the Effectiveness of Communication Among
Caregivers
