Steps to Avoid Harm

The National Quality Forum (NQF) has identified and endorsed several evidence-based practices to reduce and prevent patient harm. Hospitals report on their implementation of five NQF Safe Practices:

1. Safe Practice 1: Culture of Safety Leadership Structures and Systems
2. Safe Practice 2: Culture Measurement, Feedback, and Intervention
3. Safe Practice 4: Risks and Hazards
4. Safe Practice 9: Nursing Workforce
5. Safe Practice 19: Hand Hygiene

Time Period Covered

• 2019

Patients Included in the Measure

• Inpatients (Patients who are admitted to the hospital for at least one overnight stay)

• Outpatients (Patients who are admitted and discharged on the same day)

• Adults and Children