Hospital management priorities and key factors affecting overall perception of patient safety: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective Evaluating a staff's perception of safety culture is a critical factor in hospital management, and the knowledge of value and efficiency in hospitals is still inadequate. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of safety culture among medical staffs and determine priorities for clear and better management. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 595 medical staff members was conducted at 2 tertiary hospitals in Western China using a hospital survey on patient safety culture (HSOPSC) and its value and efficiency in the hospital. Results The dimensions with a disadvantaged positive response were nonpunitive response to error (44.6%) and staffing (42.0%). Five dimensions can explain 37.7% of the variation in the overall perception of patient safety, and handoffs and transitions are the most important dimensions (standardized coefficients 0.295). Conclusions Hospital managers should pay more attention to nonpunitive management and staffing. Handoffs and transitions are the most important areas of potential improvement in patient safety in hospitals.