Safety Attitudes Questionnaire – Intensive Care Unit Version: adaptation and validation for the Portuguese population

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a growing concern in the effort to achieve high levels of quality, not only for managers but also for health professionals and citizens. Objective: To translate, adapt, and validate the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire – Intensive Care Unit version (SAQ-ICU) for the Portuguese population. Methodology: A methodological quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The instrument was validated in a sample of 120 nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). Results: Nurses have a positive perception of patient safety, although they recognize the need to improve specific areas. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the SAQ-ICU showed good psychometric properties and proved to be a valid and reliable tool for the Portuguese population.