What is the purpose of safety standards in healthcare settings?

Safety standards in healthcare settings are primarily designed to protect both the patient and the health care worker. These standards establish protocols and guidelines that help to minimize risks and prevent harm in clinical environments. By implementing these safety measures, healthcare organizations create a safer space for patients to receive care, reducing the likelihood of adverse events such as infections, medication errors, and accidents.

Additionally, these standards support healthcare workers by providing them with a structured framework to follow, which can enhance their safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks. This dual focus on patient and worker safety ultimately contributes to improved outcomes and a more effective healthcare delivery system.

In contrast, the potential for increasing hospital profits or reducing administrative workloads does not drive the establishment of safety standards, and while compliance with regulations is important, it is not the primary reason for the existence of these safety standards.