There are eight patient safety activities that are carried out by, or on behalf of a PSO, or a healthcare provider: Efforts to improve patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery The collection and analysis of patient safety work product (PSWP) The development and dissemination of information regarding patient safety, such as recommendations, protocols, or information regarding best practices The utilization of PSWP for the purposes of encouraging a culture of safety as well as providing feedback and assistance to effectively minimize patient risk The maintenance of procedures to preserve confidentiality with respect to PSWP The provision of appropriate security measures with respect to PSWP The utilization of qualified staff Activities related to the operation of a patient safety evaluation system and to the provision of feedback to participants in a patient safety evaluation system The term "safety" refers to reducing risk from harm and injury, while the term "quality" suggests striving for excellence and value. By addressing common, preventable adverse events, a healthcare setting can become safer, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered. PSOs create a secure environment where clinicians and healthcare organizations can collect, aggregate, and analyze data, thus identifying and reducing the risks and hazards associated with patient care and improving quality. - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)