Patient safety in work environments: Perceptions of pediatric healthcare providers in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Extensive research on the link between the organizational characteristics of the work environment and patient safety in a healthcare organization has been conducted; yet, only a few studies have concentrated on care providers in a pediatric unit. Objectives: To determine the correlation between different work environment factors impacting patient safety in a pediatric care unit from the perspective of registered nurses working in these units. Design: Cross-sectional design. Data sources and methods: The study was conducted with 155 registered nurses from a pediatric unit in a medical center in Taiwan with the Chinese version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) 2014-2017. Results: Teamwork climate, higher job satisfaction, and better working conditions are linked to positive perceptions of patient safety culture. Emotional exhaustion is negatively related to most dimensions of patient safety. Conclusion: Teamwork climate, job satisfaction, working conditions, and emotional exhaustion were identified as critical factors impacting the patient safety climate. Implications for nursing or health policy: Investments to improve teamwork climate, job satisfaction, and working conditions and reduce emotional exhaustion may have a positive effect on patient safety in pediatric care units.