What aspect of healthcare does risk management focus on?

Risk management in healthcare primarily focuses on protecting patients and staff from potential harm. This encompasses identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that can lead to adverse events or harm within a healthcare setting. By implementing risk management strategies, healthcare facilities aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents, medical errors, and other issues that can negatively impact patient safety and staff well-being.

For instance, effective risk management includes developing policies and procedures aimed at enhancing patient care and safety, training staff to recognize and respond to potential risks, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards to uphold the highest quality of care. This proactive approach not only safeguards individuals but also fosters an overall culture of safety within healthcare environments.

In contrast, the other options may be important aspects of healthcare management but do not align directly with the core objectives of risk management. Increasing patient volume, maximizing profit margins, and improving community relations are important for the financial and operational aspects of healthcare but do not inherently focus on the protection and safety of patients and staff.