MST-Department of Medical Surgical Nursing and Pre-clinical Services

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Browsing MST-Department of Medical Surgical Nursing and Pre-clinical Services by Author "Mulusa, Elizabeth Osaga"

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    Patient Safety Culture among Health Care Professionals at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-05) Mulusa, Elizabeth Osaga
    Patient safety is a crucial global measure of healthcare quality, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO). A poor safety culture among healthcare professionals can lead to more adverse events, longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. A significant challenge in this area is the complex assessment of patient safety, with existing literature focusing mostly on managerial, staff, or policy perspectives. However, comprehensive studies examining the interplay between these elements are lacking. To address this gap, a study was conducted at Kakamega County Referral Hospital in Kenya, targeting the determinants affecting patient safety within critical care teams. Using an analytical cross-sectional design, the research included all healthcare providers in the Critical Care Units (CCUs). Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire, which was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The questionnaire comprised eight sections, assessing healthcare professionals’ perceptions of patient safety. The study summarized demographic variables such as age, gender, and years of experience, with descriptive statistics. Inferential analyses, including chi-square tests, evaluated perception variations between different professional groups, particularly nurses and doctors. Multivariate regression analyses explored the relationship between perceived safety factors and overall safety perceptions. Findings revealed a wide range of confidence levels among healthcare professionals regarding existing patient safety protocols. While some noted improvements, others pointed out substantial gaps. Demographic factors, particularly years of experience and education level, significantly influenced safety perceptions. Key issues affecting these perceptions included inadequate staffing, resource challenges, and the implementation of non-punitive error reporting systems. Identified barriers were communication failures, insufficient training on safety protocols, and systemic operational challenges within the hospital. The study highlighted the urgent need for improved training programs, enhanced communication strategies, and the cultivation of an organizational culture that promotes transparency around safety issues. A correlation was established between healthcare professionals’ perceptions and measurable patient safety outcomes, such as incident reporting and adverse events. These insights can inform policy changes and practice improvements to enhance patient care. The recommendations stress the importance of healthcare systems prioritizing training on communication, teamwork, and error management; fostering a non-punitive culture for transparent error reporting; and optimizing resource allocation to resolve staffing issues. Strengthening interdepartmental communication through standardized protocols and regular evaluations, including staff feedback, is vital for ongoing improvement. Future research should focus on gender disparities in safety perceptions, organizational culture influence, training intervention effectiveness, long-term impacts of such interventions, comparative studies across various healthcare settings, and incorporating patient perspectives to drive significant safety enhancements.