"Awakening consciousness": Safe Care Linkage Theory From a Mixed Perspective-A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric care
• Patient safety
• Healthcare management

Background:

• Geriatric care is evolving, with significant implications for patient safety.
• Limited literature exists on how all stakeholders perceive safe geriatric care.
• Healthcare professionals, older adults, and caregivers are key to understanding safe care implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore conceptualizations and implementation of safe care among healthcare professionals, older adults, and caregivers.
• To develop a substantive theory reflecting diverse stakeholder perspectives on safe geriatric care.
• To identify factors influencing safe care practices in geriatric settings.

Main Methods:

• Constructivist grounded theory methodology was utilized.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with 86 participants (healthcare professionals, inpatients, care workers, family members) across ten hospitals and one primary health center in China.
• Data analysis involved coding (initial, focused, theoretical) and constant comparative methods.

Main Results:

• The study introduced the "Awakening consciousness-Safe care linkage theory."
• This theory comprises four levels: concept-motivation, environment-institution, practice-interaction, and balance-choice.
• The theory integrates escort strategies and progression mechanisms to form a safe care linkage ecology.

Conclusions:

• The developed theory elucidates the process of awakening safety awareness among geriatric care stakeholders.
• Understanding this theory can guide practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in enhancing geriatric care safety.
• The theory offers a framework for creating safe care ecosystems and future interventions.