Exploring Nursing Students' Perspectives on Patient Safety Culture in Clinical Settings: A Mixed-Method Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Safety Research
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Patient safety is a critical component of undergraduate nursing education.
• Experiential learning in clinical practice enhances nursing students' personal development and safety awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Czech undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of patient safety culture during clinical practice.
• Utilize a mixed-method sequential study design to capture comprehensive insights.

Main Methods:

• Employed a mixed-method approach with quantitative (Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) phases.
• Quantitative data from 482 nursing students across 16 Czech faculties; qualitative data from 12 students.
• Statistical analysis for quantitative data and reflective thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Low ratings for 'Frequency of events reported' (37.0%) and 'Nonpunitive responses to errors' (42.4%).
• 'Indicators of good practice' predicted reporting of adverse events (p≤0.05).
• Qualitative findings revealed a journey from exposure to errors, through disconnection and dissonance, to the need for speaking up.

Conclusions:

• Undergraduate nursing students face difficulties integrating into patient safety culture, particularly in reporting adverse events.
• Enhanced education on reporting protocols and standards is vital for students.
• Professional development for clinical staff is necessary to align practices and foster a supportive safety culture.