What is the main focus of a risk manager during the risk identification phase?

The primary focus of a risk manager during the risk identification phase is to gather information about potential risks. This involves thoroughly assessing the health care institution's processes, systems, and environment to identify anything that could pose a threat to patient safety, staff welfare, or organizational integrity.

By pinpointing risks early on, a risk manager can proactively develop strategies to mitigate those risks, thereby enhancing safety and operational effectiveness. This phase is crucial because it lays the groundwork for subsequent steps in the risk management process, which rely heavily on the accurate identification of potential problems that could impact the institution or its stakeholders.

In this context, focusing on patient turnover, administrative efficiency, or public relations does not directly address the critical need for recognizing risks that could lead to adverse outcomes, thereby underscoring the importance of information gathering in the risk management framework.