Relationship between nurses' moral sensitivity and patient safety culture: Cross-sectional study

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between nurses' moral sensitivity and the culture of patient safety.

This study was designed using a cross-sectional design. The data collection was carried out using a 'Questionnaire,' the 'Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ),' and the 'Patient Safety Culture Scale (PSCS).' The data was obtained from 254 nurses who agreed to participate in the research through an online survey method conducted between January 01-31, 2023.

High scores on the autonomy and holistic approach sub-dimensions of the moral sensitivity scale were found to contribute to an increase in patient safety culture scores. High levels of both moral sensitivity and patient safety culture were reported among nurses. However, only a negative and weak significant relationship was found between the autonomy subscale of the moral sensitivity scale and the management and leadership subscale of the patient safety culture scale.

Accordingly, it was recommended that separate strengthening initiatives be conducted for nurses in terms of moral sensitivity and patient safety culture. To further explore the relationship between nurses' moral sensitivity and patient safety culture, future studies involving nurses from diverse cultural backgrounds and various healthcare settings, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, were suggested.