As fragile living beings we walk the world at risk for injury.
Human society is organized in theory and in fact to reduce the risk of harm.
Social safety nets reduce the risk of starvation. Armies and police forces reduce the risk of violent death from war or anarchy. We use law to reduce the risk of harm as well. Elaborate regulatory regimes attempt to reduce the risks of human activities ranging from the development of new pharmaceuticals to the safety of the industrial workplace. This Article focuses on the process of risk identification and reduction in the relationship between patients and physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.