Implementation Analysis of a Perioperative Patient Safety Program in Guatemala

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Global Health

Background:

• Patient safety program implementation faces significant challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
• Guatemala's perioperative setting presents unique implementation hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing a perioperative patient safety program in Guatemala.
• To inform future patient safety initiatives in similar settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 16 staff members.
• Follow-up focus group discussion one year post-intervention.
• Analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Main Results:

• Facilitators included strong patient prioritization, workflow compatibility, and staff attributes.
• Barriers comprised lack of patient safety knowledge, limited resources, and insufficient leadership engagement.
• Iterative program modifications were made to enhance implementation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding implementation barriers and facilitators is crucial for successful perioperative safety programs.
• Program modifications during deployment can improve the implementation process and outcomes.