Despite substantial effort over the past 20 years, preventable harm in health care remains a major concern in the United States. Though many evidence-based, effective best practices related to harm reduction have been identified, they are seldom shared nationally and implemented effectively across multiple organizations.

The National Steering Committee for Patient Safety released Safer Together: A National Action Plan to Advance Patient Safety which is the result of 2 years of work by 27 steering committee members who represent a diverse group of organizations and individuals, including healthcare systems, Federal agencies, provider associations, accrediting organizations, and patient advocates. Their goal was to provide healthcare system leaders with renewed momentum and clearer direction for reducing medical harm.

The bottom line, preventable harm requires a concerted, persistent, coordinated effort by all stakeholders and a total systems approach to safety. Safer Together: A National Action Plan to Advance Patient Safety provides clear direction that health care leaders, delivery organizations, and associations can use to make significant advances toward safer care and reduced harm across the continuum of care. We can all use guidance when it comes to improving the safety in our centers and providing care to our residents and families.