An Analysis of Several Dimensions of Patient Safety in Ambulatory-Care Facilities
Abstract
Collaboration and communication as dimensions of patient safety climate have been measured in acute care hospital units, and discrepant viewpoints have been documented between different professional groups. In the ambulatory care setting, different healthcare professionals often work more closely together throughout the day than in acute care settings, thereby enhancing effective collaboration and communication. This study sought to determine if the communication differences that are known to impact patient safety which are found in acute care also exist in ambulatory care. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), a 77-item survey of collaboration, communication, and safety attitudes was administered to the primary care staff at four Midwestern military ambulatory care clinics. There were 107 participants consisting of nurses (n=46), nurse practitioners (n=12),pharmacists (n=10), and physicians (n=39), yielding an overall response rate of 65%. All groups rated their peer group higher than other professional groups. The ratings of nurses and physicians were very similar: 85.0% of nurses rated physicians, and 85.7% of physicians rated nurses as high or very high in communication and collaboration. Pharmacists were rated the lowest by each of the other professional groups. Only 60% of pharmacists rated physicians as high or very high.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2008
- Accession Number
- AD1013521
Entities
People
- Lela M. Holden
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences