The aim of this book is to reduce the risks of medical treatment and enhance the safety of patients in all areas of healthcare. The first section discusses human error, the incidence of harm to patients, and the development or risk management. Chapters in the second section discuss the reduction of risk in clinical practice in key medical specialties. The third section discusses features of the healthcare systems that are essential to safe practice, such as communication of risk to patients, the design of equipment, supervision and training, and effective teamwork. The fourth section describes how to put risk management into practice, including the effective and sensitive handling of complaints and claims, the care of injured patients and the staff involved, and the reporting, investigation and analysis of serious incidents.

Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon,Maxillofacial Unit, St Richard's Hospital, West Sussex