Domain overview

The domains represent the five sections within the assessment tool. Each section covers the area where most opportunities for improvement exist.

Medications:
This domain evaluates the risks to patient safety from medication use. As this area of patient safety is the most thoroughly studied, this domain of the survey includes the largest number of questions.

Handoffs and transitions:
In ambulatory care, patients often receive care from a number of different clinicians and facilities. This domain evaluates the tracking and coordination of the events, as this is primarily the responsibility of physicians and their practices.

Surgery/anesthesia & sedation/invasive procedures: With a growing number of outpatient surgeries, physicians and their practices are now responsible for risks associated with the sedation and anesthesia. This domain evaluates those risks.

Personnel/qualifications: This domain reviews the elements of safe patient care and evaluates whether practice staff are up-to-date on medication procedures.

Practice Management/culture: In addition to the specific actions related to particular aspects of patient care such as medications or tracking diagnostic tests, there are also things the practice can do as a whole that support and complement the specific actions. Some of these help provide a "culture of safety" in the practice.

Patient education/communication: Patients have the ultimate responsibility for their health and health care. This domain evaluates the steps practices can take to help patients effectively carry out their responsibilities.

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