Patient Safety Culture in Education and Treatment Centers: Regional Subcultures

Abstract

Background: There is increasing interest to prevent patient injury as the main value in healthcare institutes. However, many patients are still in danger while they receive care services. One factor which influences patient safety is national culture. However, there is no evidence of regional subculture contributions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of two different regional subcultures on patient safety culture in education and treatment centers (medical universities hospitals). Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the relationship of two regional subcultures in Iran (Turk and Kurd) on patient safety culture. Four education and treatment centers affiliated to Zanjan (Turk subculture) and Ilam (Kurd subculture) were investigated. A sample of 421 nurses, laboratory, and radiology staffs participated in this study. Two kinds of data gathering tools were used, including hospital survey on patient safety culture questionnaire (HSOPSC), and Hofstede’s cultural values. Besides descriptive statistics, analytical statistics tests were used at.05 confidence level, including Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Linear regression. Results: Positive response of the dimensions of HSOPSC questionnaire has not been more than 75% (patient safety strength). The total scores of HSOPSC for Turks and Kurds were significantly different (p-value =.016). Moreover, comparing the results of HSOPSC and Hofstede’s cultural values questionnaires showed significant coloration (p-value =.01) between patient safety culture and three dimensions of Hofstede’s cultural. Conclusions: It seems regional subculture has its own contribution to patient safety culture. Therefore, considering subculture values as predictors will be helpful to improve patient safety culture.