Patient safety culture and associated factors among health care workers in south Wollo zone public hospitals, north east Ethiopia

Background

The importance of patient safety and the development of safety cultures to protect patients from harm have gradually gained attention in quality improvement efforts. These initiatives play a significant role in ensuring patient safety and have an impact on healthcare outcomes. Even though health interventions are intended to benefit the public, there is an inevitable risk that adverse events will occur owing to the complex combination of processes, technologies, and human interactions. While there is a substantial body of evidence regarding risks in hospitals; however, information about adverse events occurring in healthcare settings, such as physicians’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients’ homes, is not well documented. This research was aimed to assess the patient safety culture and identify associated factors among healthcare workers in public hospitals.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted from May to June 2021 in public hospitals in the South Wollo Zone. Quantitative data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, while qualitative data was analyzed through in-depth interviews. The collected data was analyzed using Epi-data 4.6, SPSS version 25, and thematically for organizational and healthcare worker-related factors. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted, estimating the AOR and 95 % CI, with significance set at a P-value of less than 0.05.

Results

The overall level of positive patient safety culture was 50.1 % (95 % CI: 49, 50.9). Age 30–34 years (AOR = 0.24, 95 % CI: 0.10–0.61), work experience >= 11 (AOR = 0.07, 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.32), education level as diploma (AOR = 0.14, 95 % CI: 0.32, 0.65), training (AOR = 4.17, 95 % CI: 2.06, 8.44), working units in OR (AOR = 4.54, 95 % CI: 1.10, 18.68), and working units in emergency (AOR = 4.05, 95 % CI: 1.29, 12.69) were factors significantly associated with the patient safety culture. The in-depth interviews indicated that training, continuous professional development, level of education, and teamwork are crucial for fostering a positive patient culture.

Conclusion

The overall level of a positive patient safety culture was high. Age, work experience, education level, training, and working units significantly influenced the patient safety culture. Healthcare managers should consider patient safety culture a top priority.