National patient safety goals primarily focus on preventing what?

National patient safety goals are established to enhance the safety of healthcare services and minimize the risk of harm to patients during their interactions with the healthcare system. The primary focus is on preventing patient injury and negative outcomes. These goals aim to identify areas where improvements can be made to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care.

By emphasizing patient safety, these goals encourage healthcare organizations to adopt best practices and protocols that mitigate risks associated with medical errors, such as medication mistakes, infections, and communication failures. This proactive approach enhances patient care, reduces the likelihood of adverse events, and ultimately leads to better health outcomes.

In contrast, while compliance with federal regulations and managing overpayment claims are important aspects of healthcare operations, they do not reflect the core mission of national patient safety goals. Similarly, financial stability, while significant for organizational health, is not the primary concern of these safety-focused initiatives. The emphasis is distinctly on safeguarding patients and promoting their well-being within the healthcare environment.