What is the focus of Goal 3 in the NPSGs?

The focus of Goal 3 in the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) is centered on improving the safety of medications used in healthcare. This goal emphasizes the importance of preventing medication errors, which are a significant cause of patient harm. Key strategies under this goal include requiring healthcare providers to use standardized medication lists, implementing protocols for medication reconciliation at transitions of care, and ensuring that patients receive adequate information regarding their medications, including potential side effects and interactions.

This attention to medication safety helps establish systems and practices that reduce the risk of harm related to medication use, thereby enhancing overall patient safety in healthcare settings. The inclusion of medication safety as a core focus aligns with broader efforts to minimize errors and improve outcomes for patients receiving treatment.