Elements of care, part 2: maintaining a safe environment

Abstract

Maintaining a safe environment is one of the 12 activities of living identified in the Roper-Logan-Tierney model (2000) . Maintaining a safe environment is a basic survival skill, which involves managing our own safety and adapting our physical and intellectual abilities to manage risk. This article focuses on the activity of maintaining a safe environment in health and illness for the duration of a person's lifespan. The person's dependence and independence in the activity are discussed, along with factors influencing the activity. Understanding hazards in the care setting and how to promote patient safety effectively are key attributes of a safe and effective care provision.