Pilot testing on safety performance among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background The study focused on the perception of healthcare professionals on safety performance in the sector. Objective The aim of the study is to assess the safety performance among healthcare professionals. This study examines the factors affecting safety performance in Malaysia. The results are expected to provide insights into the provision of a safety management programme for high level of safety performance. Design The study uses a quantitative instrument to explore perceptions regarding the healthcare system and health service based on pilot tests conducted. Respondents: The pilot test respondents were from various departments of two Malaysian private hospitals in Penang and Perak. These medical professionals with representatives from Quality, Pharmacy, Nursing, Rehabilitation, Imaging, Nursing Education, Security, Pharmacy, Nursing, Facility, Dental, and Educational Nursing departments participated across two focus group discussions carried out between July and September 2017. Results The most important factors impacting the safety performance were perceived motivation, safety management & process improvement, and safety practices, representing the three dimensions within the safety climate. Conclusions This study shows opinion of professionals working in the healthcare sector. Safety performance level in the Malaysian healthcare could be improved by alleviating occupational safety and health programme of the healthcare sector in Malaysia.