Nearly 100,000 people die each year from medical errors in American hospitals. Tens of thousands more are injured. This comprehensive handbook on patient safety and risk management reflects the goals of many in the health care industry to advance the reliability of healthcare systems worldwide. This thoroughly revised Second Edition looks at all the recent changes in the industry and offers practical guidance on implementing systems and processes to improve outcomes and advance patient safety. Covering the full spectrum of patient safety and risk reduction, it builds from the fundamentals of the science of safety, to a thorough discussion of operational issues and the actual application of the principles of research. Real-life case studies from prominent health care organizations and their leadership help you apply proven strategies to your patient safety program.