Reconceptualizing Patient Safety Beyond Harm

Abstract

Background: Although patients' and care partners' perspectives on patient safety can guide health care learning and improvements, this information remains underutilized. Efforts to leverage this valuable data require challenging the narrow focus of safety as the absence of harm. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gain a broader insight into how patients and care partners perceive and experience safety. Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach that included a literature review and interviews and focus groups with patients, care partners, and health care providers. An emergent coding schema was developed from triangulation of the 2 data sets. Results: Two core themes—feeling unsafe and feeling safe—emerged that collectively represent a broader view of safety. Conclusion: Knowledge from patients and care partners about feeling unsafe and safe needs to inform efforts to mitigate harm and promote safety, well-being, and positive outcomes and experiences.