Patient Safety Activities Research Articles

Trend Analysis of Patient Safety Incidents and Their Associated Factors in Korea Using National Patient Safety Report Data (2017~2019).

This study analyzed trends in patient safety incidents (PSIs) and the factors associated with the PSIs by analyzing 2017–2019 Patient Safety Report data in Korea. We extracted 2940 records in 2017, 5889 in 2018, and 7386 in 2019, from hospitals with more than 200 beds, and used all 16,215 cases for analysis. SPSS 25.0 was used for a multi-nominal logistic regression analysis. The PSI trend analysis, the standardized Jonckheere–Terpstra test was significant. On analyzing the probability of adverse events based on near misses, the significant variables were patient age, the season when PSIs occurred, incident reporter, hospital size, the location of PSIs, the type of PSIs, and medical department. Additionally, the factors that were likely to precipitate sentinel events based on near misses were patient sex, patient age, incident reporter, the type of PSIs, and medical department. To prevent sentinel events in PSIs, female and older patients are required to pay close attention. Moreover, it is necessary to establish a patient safety reporting system in which not only all medical personnel, but also patients, generally, can actively participate in patient safety activities and report voluntarily.

Patient safety management systems and activities related to promoting voluntary in-hospital reporting and mandatory national-level reporting for patient safety issues: A cross-sectional study.

Both voluntary in-hospital reporting and mandatory national-level reporting systems for patient safety issues need to work well to develop a patient safety learning system that is effective in preventing the recurrence of adverse events. Some of the hospital systems and activities may increase voluntary in-hospital reporting and mandatory national-level reporting. This study aimed to identify the hospital systems and activities that increase voluntary in-hospital reporting and mandatory national-level reporting for patient safety issues. An anonymous mail survey of hospitals in Japan was conducted in 2017. The hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling according to number of beds. The survey examined the annual number of reported events in the voluntary in-hospital reporting system for patient safety and experience of reporting unexpected patient deaths possibly due to medical interventions to the mandatory national-level reporting system in the last 2 years. The relationship of the answer to the questions with the patient safety management systems and activities at each hospital was analyzed. The response rate was 18.8% (603/3,215). The number of in-hospital reports per bed was positively related to identifying events by referring complaints or questions of patients or family members, using root cause analysis for analyzing reported events, and developing manuals or case studies based on reported events, and negatively related to the unification and standardization of medical devices and equipment. The experience with mandatory national-level reporting of serious adverse events was positively related to identifying problematic cases by a person in charge of patient safety management from the in-hospital reporting system of complications and accidental symptoms. Enhanced feedback for reporters may promote voluntary in-hospital reporting of minor cases with low litigation risks. Developing an in-hospital mechanism that examines all serious complications and accidental symptoms may promote mandatory national-level reporting of serious adverse events with high litigation risks.

PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS PATIENT SAFETY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN PRIVATE COLLEGE

Background: Patient safety is defined as the absence of preventable harm to a patient while providing health care, as well as the reduction of unnecessary harm associated with health care. The delivery of better healthcare requires the protection of patients. It's crucial to evaluate nursing students' attitudes toward patient safety in order to identify deficiencies in the educational curriculum and encourage students in patient safety activities. Given the importance of patient safety today, the purpose of this study was to appraise nursing students' expectations, attitudes, and awareness regarding patient safety. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at one of the private university colleges in Malaysia. Ninety-two nursing students were recruited using the purposive sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire on patient safety was adapted. This data, analyzed using SPSS Version 20, and descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were used. A total of 92 questionnaires were completed. Results: The findings show that the nursing students had a positive perception of the importance of patient safety in both education and the need for adequate skills. Moreover, 90.3 % of students demonstrated a positive attitude toward the importance of patient safety. The majority (98.9%) of the nursing students also demonstrated good knowledge about patient safety. The minimum desirable rates of positive responses (Likert 4 or 5) of 60% were exceeded among nursing students in all the three aspects. Conclusion: Our findings can contribute to the growing knowledge base about students' learning of patient safety competencies from various perspectives. A better understanding of these interconnected factors can help new graduates feel more confident in their patient safety skills. High patient safety skills can help nursing students provide safe patient care.

Perioperative patient safety management activities: A modified theory of planned behavior.

Patient safety is an important healthcare issue worldwide, and patient accidents in the operating room can lead to serious problems. Accordingly, we investigated the explanatory ability of a modified theory of planned behavior to improve patient safety activities in the operating room. Questionnaires were distributed to perioperative nurses working in 12 large hospitals in Korea. The modified theory of planned behavior data from a total of 330 nurses were analyzed. The conceptual model was based on the theory of planned behavior data, with two additional organizational factors-job factors and safety management system. Individual factors included attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and patient safety management activities. Results indicated that job factors were negatively associated with perceived behavioral control. The patient safety management system was positively associated with attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control were positively associated with behavioral intention. Behavioral intention was positively associated with patient safety management activities. The modified theory of planned behavior effectively explained patient safety management activities in the operating room. Both organizations and individuals are required to improve patient safety management activities.

Implementation of Patient Safety Structures and Processes in the Patient-Centered Medical Home.

Although most patient-clinician interactions occur in ambulatory care, little research has addressed measuring ambulatory patient safety or how primary care redesign such as the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) addresses patient safety. Our objectives were to identify PCMH standards relevant to patient safety, construct a measure of patient safety activity implementation, and examine differences in adoptions of these activities by practice and community characteristics. Using a consensus process, we selected elements among a widely adopted, nationally representative PCMH program representing activities that, according to a physician panel, represented patient safety overall and in four domains (diagnosis, treatment delays, medications, and communication and coordination) and generated a score for each. We then evaluated this score among 5,007 practices with the highest PCMH recognition level. Implementation of patient safety activities varied; the few military practices (2.4%) had the highest, and community clinics the lowest, patient safety score, both overall (82.0 and 72.0, respectively, p < .001) and across specific domains. Other practice and community characteristics were not associated with the patient safety score. Understanding better what factors are associated with implementation of patient safety activities may be a key step in improving ambulatory patient safety.

Relationships Between Nurses' Work System, Safety-Related Performance, and Outcomes: A Structural Equation Model.

We examined relationships between nurses' work system, safety-related performance, and outcomes based on a modified Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 408 nurses from 2 general hospitals. Data on work system factors (person, organization, environment, tools, and task), processes (safety-related performance), and outcomes (staff and clinical outcomes) were collected. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the relationships between nurses' work system factors, safety-related processes, and outcomes. Structural equation modeling yielded a comparative fit index of 0.918, standardized root mean square residual of 0.055, and root mean square error of approximation of 0.054, indicating an acceptable model fit. The person factor had a significant positive direct effect on nurses' safety-related performance, and significant negative direct and indirect effects on the clinical outcome. The organization factor had significant positive direct effects on nurses' safety-related performance and staff outcome, and a negative indirect effect on the clinical outcome. The task factor had a significant positive direct effect on staff outcome. However, the environment and tools factors had no significant effects on safety-related performance or outcomes. The findings demonstrated the usefulness of the Systems Engineering Initiative on Patient Safety model to explain safety-related performance and outcomes, indicating differential effects of work system factors. Although the person factor significantly affected safety performance and clinical outcomes, the organization factor was the most influential component for promoting safety-related performance and staff and clinical outcomes. These results can be used to prioritize activities for patient safety.

Understanding the "Swiss Cheese Model" and Its Application to Patient Safety.

This article reviews several key aspects of the Theory of Active and Latent Failures, typically referred to as the Swiss cheese model of human error and accident causation. Although the Swiss cheese model has become well known in most safety circles, there are several aspects of its underlying theory that are often misunderstood. Some authors have dismissed the Swiss cheese model as an oversimplification of how accidents occur, whereas others have attempted to modify the model to make it better equipped to deal with the complexity of human error in health care. This narrative review aims to provide readers with a better understanding and greater appreciation of the Theory of Active and Latent Failures upon which the Swiss cheese model is based. The goal is to help patient safety professionals fully leverage the model and its associated tools when performing a root cause analysis as well as other patient safety activities.

Implementation of Crisis-Resource-Management-based Team Training in Lower Austria.

ObjectiveSequelae of medical errors are a significant problem in acute care. Human-factor-based events are frequent but avoidable causes. Thus, non-technical skills are crucial. In 2008, crisis-resource-management (CRM)-based simulation training was established for the medical staff of the Lower Austria Regional Hospitals, one of the largest hospital operators in Europe.MethodsImplementation and development of simulation training from 2008 until today are described, costs and performance data retrospectively analysed over a 10-year period. The applied methodology and organisational aspects of CRM training are highlighted. To complete the picture, activities triggered through CRM training throughout the hospitals with potential to further improve patient safety are shown.ResultsWith an initial funding of €100,000 by the Landeskliniken Holding and course rates of €350 to €500, a simulation programme was established for approximately 1,900 co-workers in the acute care setting. In the past 10 years, more than 2,300 doctors and nurses took part in one of the courses, held by 14 qualified trainers. Training was held in the simulation centre as well as in hospitals. Over the time, simulation facilities have been expanded to 8 different manikins, high-fidelity ventilation and monitoring simulation. In addition, a variety of patient safety activities like implementation of critical incident reporting, OR checklists and anaesthesia briefing was accompanied by the trainer team. The total cost of the project was just under €20, 00,000.ConclusionSimulation-based CRM training was successfully introduced and sustainably institutionalised at the NOE LKH group of hospitals. The demand for and acceptance of the training were both excellent. The previous costs of training were relatively low; the organisational model of an independent, non-profit registered association allowed the training activities to be implemented without reducing the availability of the instructors in their clinical roles.

Perspectives of Australian hospital leaders on the provision of safe care: implications for safety I and safety II

PurposeThere is evidence that patient safety has not improved commensurate with the global attention and resources dedicated to achieving it. The authors explored the perspectives of hospital leaders on the challenges of leading safe care.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports the findings of a three-year longitudinal study of eight Australian hospitals. A representative sample of hospital leaders, comprising board members, senior and middle managers and clinical leaders, participated in focus groups twice a year from 2015 to 2017.FindingsAlthough the participating hospitals had safety I systems, the leaders consistently reported that they relied predominantly on their competent well-meaning staff to ensure patient safety, more of a safety II perspective. This trust was based on perceptions of the patient safety actions of staff, rather than actual knowledge about staff abilities or behaviours. The findings of this study suggest this hegemonic relational trust was a defence mechanism for leaders in complex adaptive systems (CASs) unable to influence care delivery at the front line and explores potential contributing factors to these perceptions.Practical implicationsIn CASs, leaders have limited control over the bedside care processes and so have little alternative but to trust in “good staff providing good care” as a strategy for safe care. However, trust, coupled with a predominantly safety 1 approach is not achieving harm reduction. The findings of the study suggest that the beliefs the leaders held about the role their staff play in assuring safe care contribute to the lack of progress in patient safety. The authors recommend three evidence-based leadership activities to transition to the proactive safety II approach to pursuing safe care.Originality/valueThis is the first longitudinal study to provide the perspectives of leaders on the provision of quality and safety in their hospitals. A large sample of board members, managers and clinical leaders provides extensive data on their perspectives on quality and safety.

GAMES AS AN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF COMPANIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENT SAFETY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective to describe the meaning attributed to the use of a game as an educational technology for the involvement of companions in pediatric patient safety. Method a qualitative study carried out with 16 companions of children admitted to the Pediatric Unit of the public hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection took place from October to December 2019, through semi-structured interviews, after using the game as an educational technology. Symbolic Interactionism was used as the theoretical framework and Inductive Content Analysis, as the method. Results playing the game in search of patient safety was an important strategy for sharing knowledge and co-responsibility for the companions to engage in the pediatric patient safety actions, in addition to a relevant contribution to the prevention of adverse events. On the other hand, the professionals' overload and communication problems stood out as barriers to the establishment of a bond among the health team members and, consequently, the involvement of the companions in patient safety. Conclusion the companions recognized themselves as partners in the prevention of adverse events and highlighted some behavioral changes in favor of patient safety after participating in the playful intervention. Thus, it is considered that the game can be an important and interactive strategy for disseminating information to companions and family members and, consequently, favoring the increased participation of these actors in patient safety actions.

Patient Safety in Primary Health Care in a Brazilian municipality

Abstract The adoption of safe practices by health services drives out health harms and preventable deaths at all levels of health care. This study aimed to understand how patient safety actions are organized in the conception of primary health care professionals in a municipality in the state of Bahia. exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, was performed through in person and online interviews with two Nurses and three Dental Surgeons, with broad knowledge of the researched matter and working in traditional primary care and Family Health teams. Data were analyzed through content analysis. It was perceived that knowledge of the researched topic was insufficient and that there was a need for the matter to become part of the teams’ discussion agenda. The reports point out that, in the interviewees’ view, actions related to patient safety are not yet implemented in the researched location. It was identified the need for structuring actions aimed at preventing adverse events and institutionalizing safety in health care.

Implementation of a Quality and Patient Safety Curriculum for Pathology Residency Training

Quality and Patient Safety education for resident physicians is necessary to prepare them for independent practice and to meet accreditation requirements. Integrating such education into the residents’ routine work can provide them with valuable practical experience, while advancing the institution’s quality priorities. We committed to Quality and Patient Safety education for our pathology residents but found no published program that met their specific needs. To fill this gap in pathology residency education, we designed and implemented a new curriculum that spans the 4-year duration of residency training. Curriculum content was drawn from the pathology milestones, and educational strategies were based on the principles of adult learning. The curriculum was implemented in the 2018 to 19 academic year, and residents were assessed before and after their participation. The residents engaged in several Quality and Patient Safety activities and projects under faculty supervision, and improved their scores on objective assessments (Quality and Patient Safety quiz and in-service examination). Implementation was facilitated by a Quality and Patient Safety chief resident, and the recruitment of faculty with demonstrated Quality and Patient Safety interest. Our comprehensive Quality and Patient Safety curriculum is feasible to implement and can help pathology residents develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead quality initiatives. We believe that the curriculum framework is readily adaptable to other residency programs.

TriTACs, a Novel Class of T-Cell-Engaging Protein Constructs Designed for the Treatment of Solid Tumors.

T cells have a unique capability to eliminate cancer cells and fight malignancies. Cancer cells have adopted multiple immune evasion mechanisms aimed at inhibiting T cells. Dramatically improved patient outcomes have been achieved with therapies genetically reprogramming T cells, blocking T-cell inhibition by cancer cells, or transiently connecting T cells with cancer cells for redirected lysis. This last modality is based on antibody constructs that bind a surface antigen on cancer cells and an invariant component of the T-cell receptor. Although high response rates were observed with T-cell engagers specific for CD19, CD20, or BCMA in patients with hematologic cancers, the treatment of solid tumors has been less successful. Here, we developed and characterized a novel T-cell engager format, called TriTAC (for Trispecific T-cell Activating Construct). TriTACs are engineered with features to improve patient safety and solid tumor activity, including high stability, small size, flexible linkers, long serum half-life, and highly specific and potent redirected lysis. The present study establishes the structure/activity relationship of TriTACs and describes the development of HPN424, a PSMA- (FOLH1-) targeting TriTAC in clinical development for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Adherence of the nursing team to patient safety actions in neonatal units.

to describe the nursing team's adherence to patient safety actions in neonatal units using a validated instrument. a cross-sectional study, carried out through direct observation of the nursing team and descriptive analysis of 182 records of the "Checklist for patient safety in nursing care during hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Units" in a hospital in the municipality of Belo Horizonte. there was evidence of adherence greater than 90.0% in the units concerning the use of the identification wristband and guidance of the companions. It was identified 79.0% of absence on the checking of wristband identification and 59.0% of the absence of an evaluation of the crib wheels' locks. Three of the 21 items included in the checklist did not show non-conformities. partial adherence to patient safety actions was observed, especially regarding the target of patient identification and prevention of falls, which exposes newborns to preventable adverse events.

Contributions to the Portuguese National Plan for Patient Safety 2021–2026: A Robust Methodology Based on the Mixed-Method Approach

Introduction: Several countries prioritize patient safety in their health policies. In Portugal, following the implementation of the National Plan for Patient Safety (NPPS) 2015–2020, the research team of the National School of Public Health (NSPH) carried out extensive work to continue improving aspects of the previous Plan. This work was focused on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of NPPS 2015–2020 and aspects related to its applicability and main challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the NPPS 2021–2026. Methods: Methodological dynamic process was based on the most relevant international and national guidelines and the feedback from key patient safety stakeholders. We developed a cross-sectional mixed-methods study from January to August 2021. We used documentation and periodical reports from National Health Service (NHS) healthcare institutions as secondary sources of information. For primary data collection, we used an online survey (applied to elements in the different quality and safety structures of hospitals and primary care units), interviews, and focus groups to collect information from patient safety experts. Results and Discussion: Strengthening safety culture, patient safety training, communication, leadership involvement, patient and family engagement, and monitorization process is considered essential. We also identified local limitations such as the lack of resources and protected time for the healthcare professionals and lack of leadership involvement on patient safety strategies for dedicating to patient safety actions. Most of the patient safety stakeholders agreed that the safety and health of clinical teams and new modalities of healthcare (such as telemedicine, home hospitalization, home care) should be a priority for patient safety strategies. Conclusions: In our study, we used a robust methodology with a participatory process involving different stakeholders. An alignment between local, regional, and national levels in terms of measuring indicators, the definition of priorities, and actions and activities to improve patient safety is recommended. Reinforced partnerships and alignment between the institution’s mission, and safety priorities will be crucial to enhance patient safety. Additionally, this work highlights the added value for health systems achieved through strong partnerships between public administration and academic institutions to improve healthcare quality and patient safety.

Awareness of Patient Safety and Performance of Patient Safety Activities among Hospitalized Patients

Awareness of Patient Safety and Performance of Patient Safety Activities among Hospitalized Patients

Nursing and medical students' perceptions of an interprofessional simulation-based education: a qualitative descriptive study.

PurposeThe purposes of this study were to describe the development and implementation of an interprofessional simulation-based education (IPSE) for undergraduate nursing and medical students, their perceptions of the impact of IPSE, and identify their changes in attitudes toward each other’s health professions after participating in IPSE in South Korea.MethodsThis study used a qualitative descriptive design. A purposive sample of 43 third-year medical students and a convenient sample of 44 fourth-year nursing students participated in a 2-day IPSE program that consisted of ice-breaking and patient safety activities, and 4-hour three interprofessional team-based high-fidelity simulation education sessions. Data were collected through reflective journal after the IPSE program and keywords before and after the IPSE program, and were analyzed using the content analysis and word cloud analysis.ResultsThree themes emerged: “positive experience” with understanding roles and responsibilities and learning by doing in simulation environments being reported. In the second theme, “positive learning outcomes” participants reported enhancing collaboration and confidence in communication skills. The final theme “benefits to patients of interprofessional collaborative practice” included high quality of care and patient safety. Before the IPSE experience, most medical students perceived the nurse as nightingale and syringe, and nursing students perceived the doctor as order, expert, and knowledge. After their IPSE experience, both nursing and medical students viewed each other as colleagues.ConclusionThese results suggest that the use of high-fidelity team-based simulation in IPE is effective in practicing and developing undergraduate nursing and medical students’ interprofessional collaboration through hands-on experience.

Nurses\u2019 knowledge, attitude, and fall prevention practices at south Korean hospitals: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundFall-prevention activities are nursing interventions which are designed to improve patient safety. The introduction of evaluations of medical institutions and an increase in medical litigation has led institutions to emphasize the importance of fall-prevention activities. The current situation regarding falls among patients in small and medium-sized hospitals is poorly understood. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding falls, and fall-prevention activities of nurses working in small- and medium-sized hospitals.MethodsNurses (N = 162) from seven small- and medium-sized hospitals participated in the study. Data on participants’ characteristics, education regarding patient falls, knowledge of stretcher cart use, attitudes regarding patient falls, and fall-prevention activities were collected from August 1 to September 1, 2016.ResultsNurses’ knowledge of patient falls was positively correlated with their experience with inpatient falls. Furthermore, nurses’ attitudes regarding falls were influenced by their nursing experience and fall prevention education. Attitudes positively correlated with fall-prevention activities, but knowledge did not. Nurses’ attitudes regarding patient falls were correlated with fall-prevention activities.ConclusionHospitals should develop incentive programs to improve nurses’ attitudes which are based on their subjective norms and tailored to each hospital’s specific circumstances to ensure engagement in fall prevention activities. In short, we recommend that consistent, repeated, and custom fall-prevention education should be implemented in small- and medium-sized hospitals to promote engagement in fall-prevention activities. Patient safety activities in small- and medium-sized hospitals can be enhanced by creating an environment that encourages active and self-directed participation in developing fall-prevention strategies using motivation and rewards.

A Multicentered Academic Medical Center Experience of a Simulated Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for Hematology/Oncology Fellows.

Quality improvement and patient safety education is an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) common program requirement for hematology/oncology fellowships. Interprofessional clinical patient safety activities, such as root cause analyses (RCA), can be challenging to incorporate into busy schedules. We report on a multicentered experience utilizing a simulated RCA educational module in an attempt to provide fellows with the tools needed to participate in a live RCA and to increase awareness of the need to analyze patient safety events. The 2-h module included a didactic session explaining the basics of an RCA including common terminology, effective chart review, and personal interviews. The fellows assessed a patient safety event of a missed coagulopathy and created an event flow map and fishbone analysis. They then formed root cause/contributing factor statements and proposed a solution. Twenty-three fellows from two institutions completed the experience. There was a significant difference in fellow reported comfort with participating in a live RCA (p = 0.03), and in utilizing the tools of an RCA following the mock RCA experience (p = 0.005). About 70% of respondents felt that as a result of the mock RCA, they were more likely to report a near miss or adverse event and were more likely to be thorough in their documentation. Mock RCAs are a feasible method of incorporating ACGME-required patient safety activities into hematology/oncology fellow education and are effective in increasing their comfort and understanding of important quality improvement skills.

A Convergence Study on the Relationship among Patient Safety Activity Experience, Patient Safety Perception and Willingness to Participate in the General Population

A Convergence Study on the Relationship among Patient Safety Activity Experience, Patient Safety Perception and Willingness to Participate in the General Population