Evaluation of the patient safety culture in neonatal intensive care

Abstract

This quantitative, survey type study aimed to analyze the patient safety culture of the nursing and medical teams of public hospitals of Florianopolis. A total of 141 professionals participated, with data collected between February/April 2013, after approval by the Ethics Committee. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was used and the 12 dimensions of the culture were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was performed, classifying the dimensions into areas of strength or critical areas. Despite not verifying a specific area of strength, the dimensions with the best evaluation were Supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting safety and Organizational learning - continuous improvement. The dimensions with the highest percentage of negative responses, identified as critical were: Non-punitive response to errors and Management support for safety. The safety culture in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units presented aspects that could potentially become areas of strength. Cultural changes are necessary, especially in addressing errors.