Which of the following accurately describes the purpose of near misses in patient care?

The purpose of near misses in patient care is primarily to identify potential system problems. A near miss refers to a situation where an error was made, but it did not result in harm to the patient. Analyzing these situations allows healthcare professionals to understand what could lead to actual patient harm, revealing weaknesses or flaws in the care delivery system. This proactive approach helps to enhance patient safety by fostering improvements and changes in practice to prevent future incidents.

Identifying trends or patterns in near misses can also inform training and education requirements for staff, leading to a stronger patient care framework. By focusing on these near misses, healthcare teams can implement preventive measures, facilitating a culture of safety and continuous learning, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.