Patient safety perceptions among vascular interventional technologists

Area of Science:

• Radiologic Technology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Patient safety culture (PSC) is crucial for healthcare quality.
• Vascular interventional technologists (VIR) play a key role in patient care.
• Understanding their perceptions of PSC is essential for targeted improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the perceptions of patient safety culture among US vascular interventional technologists.
• To identify specific areas of strength and weakness in PSC within VIR departments.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed online to full-time ARRT-registered VIR technologists in the US.
• The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was used to collect data.
• Mean scores were calculated for PSC dimensions and overall outcomes.

Main Results:

• The response rate was 13.7% (n=437).
• Technologists reported strong support for patient safety from supervisors, staffing, handoffs, and within-unit teamwork.
• Perceptions were neutral regarding teamwork across units, management support, and nonpunitive error response.

Conclusions:

• Teamwork across units and administrative support for safety culture require attention in VIR departments.
• Nearly 20% of respondents rated their institution's safety grade as C or below.
• Further investigation is needed to confirm findings and expand to other radiologic professionals.