Patient safety: freedom from accidental injuries during the course of medical care; activities to avoid, prevent, or correct adverse outcomes which may result from the delivery of health care. (Kohn, 2000; AHA&HRET&ISMP, 2002)

Patient safety: the identification, analysis and management of patient-related risks and incidents, in order to make patient care safer and minimize harm to patients. (Aspden, NPSA, 2004)