Exploring relationships between first-line nurse managers safety attitudes and safety factors in Henan, China
Changying Chen
Zhengzhou University, China
: J Nurs Patient Care
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to examine first-line nurse managers’ (FLNMs’) perceptions of safety culture and explore relationships between FLNMs’ safety attitudes and safety factors in Henan province, China. Background: Health providers’ perceptions of patient safety culture have been studied widely, but little is known about FLNMs’ safety attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 823 FLNMs in 216 hospitals across Henan province, China. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ-Chinese version) was distributed to FLNMs during training meetings; responses were returned in a sealed envelope in person or by mail. ANOVAs were used to analyze the differences in SAQ-Chinese version scores between FLNMs’ attitudes and safety factors. Results: The mean scores across the six domains of SAQ-Chinese version ranged from 56.6 to 79.4 on a 100-point scale. FLNMs ≥45 years of age perceived better safety climate (p<0.05); FLNMs with higher professional ranks and medical centre positions reported higher mean scores for teamwork climate (p<0.01) and stress recognition (p<0.01); and FLNMs with baccalaureate degrees or higher had significantly higher mean scores for stress recognition (p<0.01). Conclusions: FLNMs’ safety attitudes were not satisfactory and there is great potential to improve patient safety culture. Age, hospital level, educational background, and professional rank are positively related to FLNMs’ attitudes. Implications for Nursing Management: Hospital administrators and nurse directors should focus on the safety factors identified in this study and enact a variety of strategies to create a strong patient safety culture in China.
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