What is the primary aim of ensuring patient safety in healthcare?

The primary aim of ensuring patient safety in healthcare is to provide care that is intended to help patients while minimizing the risk of harm. This principle is central to quality improvement in healthcare, as patient safety involves creating systems and processes that prevent errors and adverse events during the delivery of care.

Ensuring patient safety means that healthcare providers are committed to not only treating patients effectively but also safeguarding their well-being throughout the care process. This includes taking measures to prevent mistakes, monitoring for potential complications, and implementing evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety.

The other options may touch on aspects of healthcare delivery but do not capture the essence of patient safety as effectively. Reducing costs, maximizing the number of patients treated, or focusing on a single treatment approach may lead to compromises in quality and safety, making them secondary considerations compared to the overarching goal of protecting patients from harm.