What is the difference between patient safety and quality?

The difference between patient safety and quality has been debated for some time. Safety was described as one of the 6 elements of quality healthcare in a 2001 Institute of Medicine report called “Crossing the Quality Chasm.” Patient safety is recognized as an important element of an effective, efficient healthcare system.

• Safety has to do with lack of harm; quality has to do with efficient, effective, purposeful care that gets the job done at the right time for the right cost.
• Safety focuses on avoiding bad events, quality focuses on doing things well.
• Safety makes it less likely that mistakes happen. Quality raises the ceiling so the overall care experience is a better one.