Patient Safety Culture in Bulgarian Hospitals – A Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Establishing a high culture of patient safety in hospitals is one of the main ways to prevent or reduce errors and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The aim of the study is to assess the perceptions on patient safety culture among healthcare specialists in Bulgarian hospitals. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among 620 healthcare specialists. The study was conducted using the web-based Bulgarian Version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture Questionnaire (B-HSOPSC). The B-HSOPSC includes 42 questions, grouped in 12 different dimensions measuring patient safety culture. No personal identification was possible of the participations in the survey using the e-platform. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. The results of the study show in general that the respondents demonstrate a positive attitude regarding patient safety culture. The dimensions “Staffing” and “Non-punitive response to error” are most problematic, as their percentage of positive response rates (PRRs) are lowest - 35.16% and 39.62%, respectively. However, “Handoffs and transitions” and “Overall perceptions of safety“ show the highest PRRs – 66.65% and 65.48%, respectively. From all participants, 74.7% have never reported an adverse event or error. Non-parametric tests did not find significant statistical differences in “Patient safety grade” between physicians and other health care specialists. Based on the evidence, the hospital managements need to focus on improving problem areas.