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Patient safety culture in a university hospital

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to assess patient safety culture in a university hospital.

Method:

cross-sectional study with data collection through the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture applied in electronic device. A total of 381 employees were interviewed, corresponding to 46% of the sum of eligible professionals. Data were analyzed descriptively. the Cronbach’s alpha was used to calculate the frequency and reliability.

Results:

most were women (73%) from the nursing area (50%) and with direct contact with patients (82%). The composites related to “teamwork within units” (58%, α=0.68), “organizational learning - continuous improvement” (58%, α=0.63), “supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting patient safety” (56%, α=0.73) had higher positive responses. Nine composites had low positive responses, with emphasis on “nonpunitive response to error” (18%, α=0.40). Only the item “in this unit, people treat each other with respect” had positive response above 70%. The patient safety assessment in the work unit was positive for 36% of employees, however only 22% reported events in past year.

Conclusion:

the findings revealed weaknesses in the safety culture at the hospital, with emphasis on culpability.

Descriptors:
Patient Safety; Organizational Culture; Hospitals; Delivery of Health Care; Health Personnel; Surveys and Questionnaires

Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, 14040-902 Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil, Tel.: +55 (16) 3315-3451 / 3315-4407 - Ribeirão Preto - SP - Brazil
E-mail: rlae@eerp.usp.br