A Scoping Review Protocol to Map Knowledge and Attitudes about Patient Safety among Students in Healthcare Undergraduate Courses

Abstract

Patient safety is a global challenge in healthcare, with adverse events representing a significant concern. The integration of patient safety education in undergraduate curricula is crucial in developing a culture of safety and safe practices among future professionals. However, there is a gap in research assessing the levels of knowledge and attitudes about patient safety among undergraduate students in healthcare using validated instruments. This scoping review aims to map the levels of knowledge and attitudes about patient safety among students in healthcare courses, allowing for national and international comparisons. The review will follow the methodological frameworks proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for scoping reviews. The search will include published and unpublished studies in six databases, with no date or language restrictions. This scoping review was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework on 17 July 2024. This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of knowledge and attitudes about patient safety among undergraduate students in healthcare, identifying gaps in patient safety education and areas for improvement in curricula. The results may guide teachers in creating teaching strategies to prepare future healthcare professionals, reducing knowledge gaps and improving the quality of care.