City Research Online

Comparing safety climate for nurses working in operating theatres, critical care and ward areas in the UK: a mixed methods study

Tarling, M., Jones, A., Murrells, T. & McCutcheon, H. (2017). Comparing safety climate for nurses working in operating theatres, critical care and ward areas in the UK: a mixed methods study. BMJ Open, 7(10), article number e016977. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016977

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the study was to explore the potential sources of variation and understand the meaning of safety climate for nursing practice in acute hospital settings in the UK.

DESIGN: A sequential mixed methods design included a cross-sectional survey using the Safety Climate Questionnaire (SCQ) and thematic analysis of focus group discussions. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the factor structure of the SCQ. Factor scores were compared between nurses working in operating theatres, critical care and ward areas. Results from the survey and the thematic analysis were then compared and synthesised. SETTING: A London University.

PARTICIPANTS: 319 registered nurses working in acute hospital settings completed the SCQ and a further 23 nurses participated in focus groups.

RESULTS: CFA indicated that there was a good model fit on some criteria (χ(2)=1683.699, df=824, p<0.001; χ(2)/df=2.04; root mean square error of approximation=0.058) but a less acceptable fit on comparative fit index which is 0.804. There was a statistically significant difference between clinical specialisms in management commitment (F (4,266)=4.66, p=0.001). Nurses working in operating theatres had lower scores compared with ward areas and they also reported negative perceptions about management in their focus group. There was significant variation in scores for communication across clinical specialism (F (4,266)=2.62, p=0.035) but none of the pairwise comparisons achieved statistical significance. Thematic analysis identified themes of human factors, clinical management and protecting patients. The system and the human side of caring was identified as a meta-theme.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the SCQ has some utility but requires further exploration. The findings indicate that safety in nursing practice is a complex interaction between safety systems and the social and interpersonal aspects of clinical practice.

Publication Type: Article
Publisher Keywords: patient safety; safety climate; nursing; mixed methods; human factors
Departments: School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing
SWORD Depositor:
[thumbnail of e016977.full.pdf]
Preview
Text - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons: Attribution International Public License 4.0.

Download (364kB) | Preview

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login