In The News

Americans are exposed to more preventable medical errors than patients in other industrialized nations. Each year, 1.7 million infections occur in U.S. hospitals, accounting for nearly 99,000 associated deaths. It is estimated that preventable errors cost the United States $17-$29 billion per year in healthcare expenses, lost worker productivity, and disability. As healthcare expenditures grow at more than seven percent each year, patient safety is improving by only one percent.

In order to standardize patient safety terminology and definitions, a review process was initiated at NQF to collate, review and finalize a standardized set of terms that will be utilized in NQF patient safety programs and products, Review the list of NQF patient safety terms and definitions.

Through its continued efforts to achieve consensus around the reporting and measurement of patient safety, NQF is determined to spread improvements in safety farther and faster. Learn more about the NQF's patient safety initiatives.