Patients' experience of patient safety information and participation in care during a hospital stay

Abstract

Aim Having a culture of safety is crucial when providing high‐quality health care, yet preventable adverse events are common in the Swedish healthcare system, especially in the field of surgical care. Research shows that patient participation can improve patient safety. This study aimed to explore patients' experience of the safety leaflet, “Your safety in hospital,” including participation in care and feelings of safe care. Design This study uses a descriptive qualitative study design. Methods Twenty patients from surgical wards received patient safety leaflets and participated in semi‐structured interviews during their hospital stay. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Three categories emerged from the analysis: Positive and negative experiences of provided information, Experiences of participation in own care , and Feelings of being safe arising from a perception of good quality care. Most participants were satisfied with their participation in their care and felt safe during their hospital stay. Oral information about the safety leaflet from healthcare personnel was lacking.

Barriers and facilitators to feeling safe for inpatients: a model based on a qualitative meta-synthesis

“…These activities may include walking, watching TV, and living alone ( 9 ). Patients believed these meaningful activities could enhance their perception and experience of safety and contribute to safer care during hospitalization ( 9 , 23 ). The third sub-theme of control was safe care.…”

“…Patients felt safe with the care they received due to feelings that medical staff were competent and performed their professional jobs well, which showed how patients’ feelings of safety were closely related to having confidence in healthcare professionals ( 23 ). Moreover, patients’ observations about the skills and knowledge of medical staff shaped their safe feelings ( 7 ).…”

“…“ You buy into that person, you put all your faith into their ability to finish their tasks ( 7 ).” “ They cared for me, they knew what they were doing ( 23 ).”…”

“…“ They are listening and asking question, and you feel that you are seen and heard. That’s probably the most important thing ( 23 ).” “ The nurse came in my room and turned the TV off. She told me that I should sleep, but I wanted to watch TV.…”

“…Certainly, patients also needed the support of relatives ( 7 ). Patients reported that participating relatives contributed to an increased safety experience and having close caregivers present also reduced their sense of loneliness ( 23 ). Harmonious relationships, clean and stable hospital environment, and rules and regulations would be related to safety culture, which was a facilitator to feeling safe for patients ( 6 , 25 ).…”