[Patient perceptions on healthcare safety]

Patient Safety is an issue of growing interest in healthcare politics and specialized bibliography, but there are limited studies that include the perspective of the public on healthcare safety.

Qualitative research performed in 4 Spanish Autonomous Regions, using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with patients and representatives of associations. Discourse analysis and result triangulation.

For the patients interviewed, the concept of safety is not limited to absence of error, but includes aspects such as confidence, communication, information and participation. In the process of resolving of adverse events, an apologetic attitude by the professionals is considered a key element. Existing interventions such as protocols and notification systems are positively valued, at same time pointing out difficulties in the implementation process. As regards information, the patients demand that the professional is trained in communication skills. More participation in their own healthcare process and clinical management is considered appropriate, at same time, it was stated that few members of the public have the opportunity to participate in current safety policies.

Regarding healthcare safety, patients and key agents indicate the importance of moving from a blame culture to a confidence culture.