Includes bibliographical references and index.

The nature and frequency of medical errors and adverse events -- Basic principles of patient safety -- Safety, quality, and value -- Medication errors -- Surgical errors -- Diagnostic errors -- Human factors and errors at the person-machine interface -- Transition and handoff errors -- Teamwork and communication errors -- Healthcare-associated infections -- Other complications of healthcare -- Patient safety in the ambulatory setting -- Information technology -- Reporting systems, root cause analysis, and other methods of understanding safety issues -- Creating a culture of safety -- Workforce issues -- Education and training issues -- The malpractice system -- Accountability -- Accreditation and regulations -- The role of patients -- Organizing a safety program.