Development and Feasibility Testing of a Patient Safety Research Simulation

Abstract

Background It is critical to understand but difficult to study nursing behavior in response to safety interventions. Methods A common nursing scenario, evidence based on appropriate nursing actions in response to patient safety risks, and a corresponding measure of nursing behavior, the Safety Action Performance Scale, were developed. These tools were content validated and tested for feasibility. Results The scenario was low-cost, realistic, and successfully used in a mixed-method pilot study. The Safety Action Performance Scale was easy to use and revise for greater interrater reliability. Conclusion Simulation provides a feasible means for testing safety interventions to improve safety-oriented behavior and subsequent patient outcomes.