Which of the following is a primary duty of the Risk Management department in healthcare?

The primary duty of the Risk Management department in healthcare is to identify hazards in patient care. This role is critical because it focuses on analyzing and mitigating risks that could potentially harm patients or staff, improving overall safety within the healthcare environment. Risk Management professionals assess various factors, such as clinical processes, environmental safety, and compliance with regulations, to prevent and address incidents that could result in injury or liability.

Conducting surgeries is typically within the purview of clinical staff, specifically surgeons and their teams, who have the specialized training and skills required for such procedures. Running day-to-day operations is governed by various administrative departments, ensuring that healthcare facilities operate smoothly but is not specific to risk management. Providing direct patient care is the domain of healthcare practitioners like nurses and physicians, who focus on treating patients rather than assessing risks. Hence, identifying hazards aligns directly with the core function of Risk Management in safeguarding both patients and healthcare providers.