IMPACT OF PATIENT SAFETY CULTURE ON MEDICAL ERROR ATTITUDES: AN APPLICATION IN NURSES

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of patient safety culture perceptions on their attitudes of medical errors among nurses. The universe of the study is nurses working in a public hospital in Antalya (n = 350). The convenience sampling method was used in the study and the questionnaire was collected from 205 nurses. The data were obtained between October 2-November 3, 2018. The study results demonstrates that the dimensions of patient safety culture explained 28.2% of the total variance in the perception of medical error, 26.4% of the total variance in medical error approach, and 21.8% of the total variance in causes of medical errors. Patient safety culture also explains 32% of the total variance in all subdimensions of medical error. The results of this study highlight the importance of enhancing patient safety culture to protect patients from medical errors in health institutions. This study also revealed important factors that need to be considered for successful implementation of patient safety culture. It is recommended to have a common understanding and increase awareness in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety culture.