Improving patient safety culture in general practice: an interview study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Organizational Culture

Background:

• A positive safety culture is crucial for improving patient safety.
• Limited research exists on enhancing patient safety culture in primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a patient safety culture questionnaire, with or without a workshop, as an intervention in primary care.
• To understand how these interventions influenced patient safety culture in daily practice.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving interviews with general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in 30 general practices.
• Utilized the theory of communities of practice to interpret findings regarding domain, community, and practice elements.
• Interviews were conducted at practice locations (n=27) with 24 GPs and 24 practice nurses.

Main Results:

• Communal awareness of patient safety issues emerged through group discussions.
• The combination of a questionnaire and workshop enhanced team interaction and fostered team cohesion.
• Shared experiences facilitated the development of practical tools and language for daily patient safety efforts.

Conclusions:

• The safety culture questionnaire proved more effective when supplemented by a practice workshop.
• Workshops initiated discussions and goal negotiation, promoting a sense of community and shared learning.
• Ongoing team meetings and daily interactions reinforced patient safety as a collective and conscious objective.