Overview
This chapter addresses the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG), as required for implementation as of
1 January 2011 in all organizations accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) under the
International Standards for Hospitals.
The purpose of the IPSG is to promote specific improvements in patient safety. The goals highlight problematic areas in health care and describe evidence- and expert-based consensus solutions to these problems. Recognizing that sound system design is intrinsic to the delivery of safe, high-quality health care, the goals generally focus on system wide solutions, wherever possible.
The goals are structured in the same manner as the other standards, including a standard (goal statement), an intent statement, and measurable elements. The goals are scored similar to other standards as “met,” “partially met,” or “not met.” The Accreditation Decision Rules include compliance with the IPSG as a separate decision rule.