Assessment of family medicine residents' attitude toward patient safety in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the attitude of family medicine residents toward patient safety in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to evaluate the role of the family medicine training program in the enhancement of the understating of patient safety. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among family medicine residents in Riyadh city. A validated questionnaire, including the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III, was developed for the purpose of assessing the attitude. Data were collected through a self-administrative technique. Results: The participants' overall attitude toward patient safety was positive. Generally, there were no significant effects of gender, institute of training, and level of training on residents' attitudes toward patient safety. A large proportion of the residents (68%) were not satisfied with their competencies in patient safety. Conclusion: Family medicine residents in Riyadh city had a positive attitude toward patient safety. More training activities focusing on patient safety issues to improve residents' knowledge and satisfaction are required.