What is defined as a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks in healthcare?

The correct answer is risk management, which refers to a comprehensive process that involves not only identifying and evaluating potential risks in healthcare settings but also implementing strategies to mitigate them effectively. This systematic approach ensures that organizations can safeguard their operations, protect patient safety, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

By engaging in risk management, healthcare organizations can address various dimensions of risk, including clinical risks, financial risks, and reputational risks, thereby fostering a safer environment for both patients and healthcare providers. This process includes ongoing monitoring and adjustment of risk strategies based on changes in the healthcare landscape or new information about risks.

While risk assessment, risk analysis, and risk mitigation are related concepts within risk management, they each play a different role. Risk assessment involves identifying and prioritizing risks, risk analysis entails the detailed examination of risks to understand their potential impact, and risk mitigation focuses specifically on the strategies implemented to reduce identified risks. Overall, risk management encompasses all of these activities as part of a more extensive framework.