[The basic concept of patient safety and its evolution].

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Medical Ethics
• History of Medicine

Context:

• Patient safety is a significant global challenge in healthcare over the last decade.
• The concept of patient safety has historical and cultural origins, with early mentions in Hippocratic writings.
• A global consensus exists among healthcare professionals that medical risk is pervasive.

Purpose:

• To explore the historical origins and developmental trajectory of patient safety.
• To deepen the understanding of the fundamental concept of patient safety.
• To contextualize patient safety within the broader landscape of healthcare services.

Summary:

• Patient safety, a major focus in global healthcare, is not a new concept but possesses distinct cultural roots traceable to ancient medical texts.
• Recognizing the inherent medical risks, healthcare professions worldwide acknowledge patient safety as an ongoing and fundamental aspect of medical practice.
• The study emphasizes that patient safety serves as both the foundational starting point and ultimate goal of all healthcare services.

Impact:

• Provides a historical perspective on patient safety, enriching current understanding.
• Highlights the enduring and evolving nature of patient safety as a core healthcare principle.
• Reinforces the universal recognition of medical risk and the perpetual need for safety in healthcare delivery.