Relationship between Perceived Patient Safety Culture and Patient Safety Management Activities among Health Personnel

Cho, Hye Won; Yang, Jin Hyang

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to explore the relationship between perceived patient safety culture and patient safety management activities among health personnel.
METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional survey. Participants were 342 health personnel working in two tertiary hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 254 nurses and 88 doctors.
RESULTS
Scores on participants' perceived patient safety culture and patient safety management activities were just over the mean. There were significant differences in patient safety management activities by type of occupation, nurses' position, length of service, and work week. Doctors scored perceived patient safety culture and patient safety management activities significantly lower than nurses. In addition, perceived patient safety culture was significantly related to patient safety management activities. Factors which influence participants' patient safety management activities were communication, type of occupation, overall evaluation of patient safety, supervisor/manager, frequency with which events were reported, and nurse's position.
CONCLUSION
Findings provide significant evidence that patient safety management activities are associated with perceived patient safety culture. Therefore, to build a positive safety culture, health personnel, especially doctors and general nurses need to visibly commit to patient safety management activities and be role models to ensure patient safety.