Developing a Structure Model Based on Patient Safety Competencies, Values, and Attitudes to Promote Patient Safety Culture and Quality of Nursing Care

Abstract

Background: The quality of nursing care is evaluated in terms of patient safety as the main criterion. However, the global patient safety environment has become frightening in recent years with frequent adverse outcomes from medical errors. Patient safety (PS) is a worldwide issue in that healthcare personnel have a moral duty to maintain patient safety within the healthcare system and this is a substantial burden for healthcare institutions.

Aim:   This study aims to establish a structural model by assessing the dimensions of patient safety value, safety attitude and safety competency and their linkages with patient safety culture and quality of care.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and 290 patients and 250 nurses were included from all inpatient departments in both Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital and Imam Abdulrahman Alfaisal Hospital. Five instruments were included in this study: the Patient Safety Value Questionnaire, the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire, the Patient Safety Competency Self-Rating Scale, the Patient Safety Culture Scale, and the Quality Nursing Care Scale (QNC).

Results:  In the present study, 50.8% of the nurses assessed had a significant level of total patient safety value and more than half (57.6%) had increased total safety attitudes. The majority of the nurses tested showed high levels of total patient safety competency, a strong patient safety culture and high quality of nursing care with percentages of 82.8%, 86.8% and 81.2%, respectively.

Conclusions:  There is a statistically significant positive link between patient safety competencies, values and attitudes and the patient safety culture and its association with quality of nursing care among the examined nurses in the two hospitals. Recommendations: Continuous organisational support and leadership commitment to patient safety to maintain nurses’ expertise in patient safety, core principles and attitudes.