Knowledge and attitudes towards patient safety among nursing students at three state universities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

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A significant number o f people are unintentionally injured as a consequence of their treatment through health care systems. Patient safety is about prevention o f such errors and adverse effects to the patients seeking medical care. It is a vital component in the quality o f nursing care. Nursing students who participate in patient care during their clinical training should develop knowledge and favourable attitudes required for competent practice while ensuring patient safety. This study was aimed at describing knowledge and attitudes toward patient safety among nursing students. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate nursing students at the Universities o f Sri Jayewardenepura, Peradeniya and Ruhuna. The sample consisted o f all undergraduate nursing students (N=192) who were in their 2nd, 3rd and 4th academic years o f study. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used. Knowledge was categorized as poor, moderate and good. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. The response rate was 76.8%. Out o f 192 participants, 52.1% (100) had a moderate level o f knowledge and 47.4% (91) had a good level o f knowledge on patient safety. A progressive improvement o f knowledge was observed with each academic year. Good knowledge Was evident regarding medication safety, prevention o f falls and safety during transportation o f patients. There were significant associations between sex and knowledge level (p=0.024) and between academic year and the knowledge level (p=0.00). Knowledge deficiencies were observed on the definitions related to the topic, safety during preparation for IV cannulation, selecting the size o f a urinary catheter, collection o f a urine sample from an indwelling catheter and the placement o f patients. Overall attitudes toward patient safety were positive. Participants had positive attitudes toward ensuring team work, adhering to correct procedures and reporting o f errors even when there is no harm to the patient. A majority (46.4%) agreed that making errors is inevitable while 38% agreed on blaming and punishing people who commit errors. Most o f the study participants had good or moderate levels o f knowledge and positive attitudes toward patient safety. Deficiencies related to knowledge on invasive patient care procedures and attitudes toward persons who report errors were identified. Improving knowledge and attitudes regarding patient safety among nursing undergraduates will ultimately contribute to enhanced patient care quality. 1