Level of patient safety culture among public healthcare professionals in Pretoria

Abstract

Background: Patient safety culture (PSC) norms set within an organisation prevent harm during medical care. This study assessed the level of PSC among public healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Pretoria, South Africa.Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional study conducted in three hospitals and 25 clinics in regions 1 and 2 of Pretoria, using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Using the Raosoft online sample size formula, from 1238 public HCPs identified, the sample size was calculated at 294; this expanded to 319 as a result of respondents’ willingness to participate in the study.Results: Of the 319 respondents with a mean age of 39.9 years, the minimum and maximum ages were 22 and 66 years, respectively. The age group of 30–39 years had the highest participation rate (17.6%). Most respondents (41.1%) came from the Odi district hospital and there were more women (78.1%) and nurses (49.2%). Positive attitudes were found for all PSC components, with staff education and training scoring highest (98.7%). Patient safety culture received a satisfactory rating from HCPs from the targeted facilities.Conclusion: This study showed that public HCPs in Pretoria’s regions 1 and 2 have a good PSC, particularly among nurses, professionals with more experience, and at primary care level.Contribution: To maintain or increase awareness of this concept among HCPs, the study advocates a PSC programme as well as ongoing education that can be supported by district and facility managers.