What is the main purpose of the risk management process in healthcare?

The main purpose of the risk management process in healthcare revolves around safeguarding patient safety and ensuring the effective performance of medical equipment. This process involves systematically identifying potential risks associated with patient care, evaluating the likelihood and impact of these risks, and implementing strategies to lessen their occurrence or affect. By prioritizing patient safety, risk management helps to create a safer healthcare environment, minimizes liability, and enhances the overall quality of care provided.

In contrast, developing new medical technologies and devices is a significant aspect of advancing healthcare but does not directly relate to the risk management process. Similarly, controlling hospital costs and budgets, while important for the financial health of a healthcare facility, does not encompass the specific goals of risk management. Overseeing hospital staff performance pertains more to human resource management and does not directly address the risks associated with patient care and equipment functionality. Thus, option A accurately captures the essence of risk management's role within the healthcare system.