Factors influencing witnesses’ perception of patient safety during pre-hospital health care from emergency medical services: A multi-center cross-sectional study

Abstract

AimTo determine the factors related with the perception of feeling safe during pre-hospital emergency care. MethodsA multi-centred, cross-sectional study. Data collection from April 2021 to March 2022, in the Centro de Emergencias Sanitarias 061 (Andalusia, Spain). Inclusion criteria: witnesses of health care by emergency medical services. Exclusion criteria: minors, or communication barriers. Outcome variable: Witness Perceived Safety Scale ESPT10. The variables studied were related with sociodemographic data, the request for health care, the patient, the hospital transfer and patient safety incidents. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed for the dependent variable. The study followed STROBE statement. ResultsResponses were obtained from 1400 witnesses. The linear regression model showed that the score on the scale increased as the witnesses felt more satisfied (B = 1.302; p < 0.001). On the contrary, the score was lower when the witness reported a patient safety incident (B = -2.856; p < 0.001 and B = -3.166; p < 0.001), or when the assistance took place in a public space (B = -0.722; p = 0.017). ConclusionsThe level of satisfaction, the occurrence of a patient safety incident, and the place of health care are related factors with the perception of the witnesses. The Witness Perceived Safety Scale ESPT10 could be considered a valid and useful patient safety indicator.