2007 National Patient Safety Goals

The first National Patient Safety Goals were approved by the Joint Commission's Board of Commissioners in July 2002. The Joint Commission established these seven goals to help accredited organizations address specific areas of concern in regards to patient safety. Each goal includes one to three succinct, evidence- or expert-based recommendations. Each year, the goals and associated recommendations are re-evaluated; some may continue while others will be replaced because of emerging new priorities. New goals and recommendations are announced in July and become effective on January 1 of the following year.

Improve the accuracy of patient identification

·         Use two patient-identifiers

·         Conduct a final verification or “Time Out” process before any surgical or invasive procedure

Improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers

·         “Read back” all telephone orders and critical test results

·         Abbreviate in compliance with “Do Not Use” list

·         Standardize communication at hand-offs (SBAR)

Improve the safety of using high-alert medications

·         Standardize and limit the drug concentrations available

·         Label all medications and solutions

Reduce the risk of healthcare-acquired infections

·         Comply with CDC hand hygiene guidelines

·         Consider if healthcare-acquired infections may be a sentinel event

Accurately reconcile medications across continuum

·         Ensure current medications are communicated to all providers

Reduce risk of patient harm from falls

·         Utilize the fall prevention protocol

Encourage patients’ active involvement in their own care

·         Define and communicate the means for patients and their families to report concerns about safety and encourage them to do so

Identify safety risks inherent in our patient population

·         Identify patients at risk for suicide

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