A Comparative Study on Perception of Patient Safety Culture and Safety Care Activities: Comparing University Hospital Nurses and Small Hospital Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare perception of patient safety culture and safety care activities between university hospital nurses (group A) and small hospital nurses (group B). Methods: Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 246 university hospital nurses and 223 small hospital nurses working in Seoul or Gyeonggi Province. Descriptive statistics, x-test, ANCOVA, t-test, ANOVA with the SPSS package were used for data analysis. Results: Total score for perception of patient safety culture and 3 subcategories of perception of patient safety culture were statistically significantly higher for group B compared to group A. Operation room nursing, falls, and bed sore scores in patient safety care activities were statistically significantly higher for group A than for group B. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the specific characteristics by size should be considered when developing effective patient safety culture in hospitals.