COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) for 2018?

1. Prevent infection

2. Improve staff communication

3. Increase patient wait times

4. Identify patients correctly

The correct answer is: Increase patient wait times

The correct answer highlights that increasing patient wait times is not a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) for 2018. NPSGs are designed to improve patient safety in healthcare organizations, focusing on areas that have a significant impact on patient outcomes and the overall quality of care. The goals encourage practices aimed at reducing infection, bolstering staff communication, and ensuring correct identification of patients—all of which directly contribute to enhancing patient safety. In contrast, increasing patient wait times can negatively affect patient satisfaction, potentially leading to safety concerns by delaying necessary care and treatment. Therefore, this option does not align with the overarching objectives of the NPSGs, which are about promoting efficient, timely, and safe healthcare practices.