Hospital Safety Climate: Concept and Measurement Tools
Journal
Hu li za zhi The journal of nursing
Journal Volume
69
Journal Issue
5
Pages
27
Date Issued
2022-10
Author(s)
Lin, Ying-Siou
Abstract
Work environments at healthcare organizations involve biological, chemical, and physical risks. Healthcare providers adhere to safe work practices and promote organizational activities proactively to improve practice safety and patient safety, both of which are closely linked to quality of care. In light of the limited research on safety culture and employee safety performance in the healthcare industry, this paper was developed to introduce the concept of hospital safety climate; the factors known to influence the safety climate in hospitals and safety performance and outcomes; and related safety climate measurement tools from the perspective of promoting safe performance among hospital healthcare providers. We recommend management create a safe work environment to reinforce employees' positive perceptions about the commitment of management to safety and subsequently promote shared beliefs regarding workplace safety and motivate employees to create a safer work environment. In addition, healthcare providers' perceptions of the safety climate should be assessed to identify strengths and weaknesses in the safety climate, guide the development of related improvement measures, and enhance the safety-climate perceptions of employees.
Subjects
hospital safety climate; measurement tools; safety performance
Type
journal article