Since The Joint Commission introduced the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) in 2003, their focus has evolved to keep up with the changing landscape of healthcare. Initially, the goals were focused on fundamental safety issues, such as patient identification, reducing hospital acquired infections, and improving communication among healthcare providers. Over the years, the goals have expanded to address broader, systemic issues that affect patient safety. One of the most notable recent changes is including health equity as a patient safety goal. This means that healthcare organizations must take actions to address inequities, such as creating leadership roles for equity initiatives, addressing the social needs of patients, and identify and close care gaps. Additionally, there is greater emphasis on issues such as suicide prevention and the push for incorporating technology based solutions for safety issues.

There are several factors driving these changes. There is growing awareness of disparities in healthcare, with research showing that patients from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds experience unequal outcomes. As a result, recognizing and addressing these disparities has become a priority to improve overall patient safety. Accrediting organizations like TJC are encouraging healthcare facilities to work toward fair and inclusive patient care by strengthening regulatory standards. Overall, focus has shifted from a narrow focus on preventing medical errors, to a more comprehensive view of patient safety; one that ensures that all patients receive high quality, equitable care.

The Joint Commission. (2020). National Patient Safety Goals. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/national-patient-safety-goals/

Bates, D. W., & Singh, H. (2018). Two decades since To Err Is Human: An assessment of progress and emerging priorities in patient safety. Health Affairs, 37(11), 1736-1743.