Zero Harm: Striving to Reduce Preventable Harms – Point, Counterpoint, and Areas of Agreement Carole Stockmeier, MHA, BS, Eric Thomas, MD, MPH, Merton Lee, PharmD, PhD, Sarah E. Mossburg, RN, PhD | September 24, 2024

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/perspective/zero-harm-striving-reduce-preventable-harms-point-counterpoint-and-areas-agreement Zero Harm: Striving to Reduce Preventable Harms – Point, Counterpoint, and Areas of Agreement In this point/counterpoint/agreement perspective essay, we discuss the concept of zero harm as it relates to patient safety. The goal of zero harm is to eliminate preventable harm related to healthcare. Critics suggest this goal is impossible and may create incentives to hide harms and further a culture of blame and shame. Proponents may agree that the goal looks impossible and believe that seeking an apparently impossible goal may lead to unprecedented improvements in safety.