Assessment of patient safety culture in an adult oncology department in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate patient safety culture across different healthcare professionals from different countries of origin working in an adult oncology department at King Fahad Medical City. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 130 healthcare staff (doctors, pharmacists, nurses) working in an adult oncology department in Saudi Arabia. We used the Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) to examine perceptions of safety culture during the month of February 2017. Data were analysed using SPSS v24 for descriptive statistical analysis, calculating composite positivity, and running t-test, ANOVA test, and linear regression to identify factors influencing the patient safety culture. Result: 127 of 130 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.7%. Eight out of the twelve HSOPSC composites were considered as areas for improvement (percent positivity < 50%). Significantly different mean scores were observed across the three professional groups in all twelve HSOPSC composites. Doctors tended to rate patient safety culture significantly more positively than nurses or pharmacists. Nurses scored significantly lower than pharmacists in the majority of HSOPSC composites. No significant differences in patient safety culture composite scores were observed between Saudi/Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-Saudi/GCC groups. Regression analysis showed that frequency of reported events is predicted by feedback and communication about errors, and teamwork across units, while perception of patient safety is associated with respondents’ profession and teamwork across units. Conclusion: This study brings to the fore the assumption that all healthcare professionals have a shared understanding of patient safety. We urge healthcare leaders and policy makers to look at patient safety culture at this granular level in their contexts, and use this information to develop strategies and training to improve patient safety culture