Factors influencing nurses’ acceptance of patient safety reporting systems based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)

Introduction

Patient safety reporting systems (PSRS) play a crucial role in hospitals by collecting patient safety data, primarily from nurses. Identifying the factors influencing nurses' safety reporting behaviors provides safety managers with insights to encourage reporting. This study aims to identify the key factors impacting nurses’ acceptance of PSRS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2022, enrolled 249 nurses from 14 teaching and non-teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire was developed on the basis of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) constructs, encompassing actual use, behavioral intention to use, facilitation conditions, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, and social influence. Additional constructs such as perceived positive outcomes, perceived negative outcomes, management support, and trust were also included. Data analysis comprised linear regression and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The reliability and validity of the measurement model were assessed by using metrics like Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, Rho_A, average variance extracted, and Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio of Correlations before calculating path coefficients, the coefficient of determination, effect size, and predictive relevance of influencing factors.

Results

The study indicated favorable attitudes among nurses toward PSRS. Significant relationships were observed between behavioral intention (β = 0.379) and facilitation conditions with actual use (β = 0.228). Additionally, effort expectancy (β = 0.101), management support (β = 0.268), and performance expectancy (β = 0.180) demonstrated significant associations with behavioral intention. The R² values for behavioral intention and actual use were 0.198 and 0.246, respectively.

Conclusion

Simplifying reporting systems to reduce nurses’ reporting burden, providing effective facilitation within hospitals, enhancing perceived benefits associated with reporting systems for nurses, and ensuring robust managerial support are pivotal strategies that can significantly boost the acceptance of PSRS among nursing staff.