“‘Management’ Is Not a Primary Focus”

Jennifer Bentley, R.N., J.D., CPHQ, of Parkland Hospital, in Dallas, Texas, is the Director of Patient Safety and Risk. There’s no “management” in the department’s title. “We don’t have those titles,” says Bentley. “It’s not a primary focus. We’re really more focused on patient safety.”

In many settings, Bentley says, the phrase “risk management” can convey false impressions. “If we’re following up on an event, we’ll just say we’re from ‘Patient Safety.’ The staff has seen a difference since this change in address happened. Our goal is to...