Nurses' perceptions of patient safety on patient safety climate

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between nurses' perception of patient safety and the safety climate.

Design: Descriptive study.

Methods: The sample consisted of 262 surgical nurses. Data were collected with an online questionnaire system using the Leiden Operating Theatre and Intensive Care Safety (LOTICS) Scale and Patient Safety Climate (PSC) Scale.

Findings: Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses were found to have higher perceptions of patient safety (106.0 ± 15.2 vs 102.6 ± 17.0) and safety climate (59.2 ± 20.9 vs 50.9 ± 24.3) than Operating Room (OR) nurses. According to ICU nurses, OR nurses stated that teamwork was weak, they did not feel like a part of the team, and teamwork was incompatible. They stated that there was no preliminary information about the operation, that they could not get enough information during the operation, that sufficient materials were not available in the OR in case of need, and that the worn-out materials were not replaced and repaired in a timely manner.

Conclusion: As nurses' perception of patient safety increases; patient safety climate perceptions also increased. Providing both professional and in-service trainings to raise awareness of patient safety, developing strategies that prevent team conflicts, providing preliminary information about the surgery, and eliminating material deficiencies can increase nurses' perception of PSC.