Nursing Students’ Perception of Patient Safety Culture During the Covid-19 Pandemic – Results of a Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction : The COVID-19 pandemic posed health and social threats directly affected the quality safe care. Many nursing students had mandatory practical training in hospitals to help national system respond crisis. investigation of students’ perceptions patient safety culture (PSC) might be beneficial identifying areas that need improvement. Aim pilot study aimed investigate perception PSC during second wave pandemic. Methods data were collected using Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture - Nursing Students (HSOPS-NS). HSOPS-NS tool was distributed online via Google Forms platform between February April 2021. respondents studied 3 rd year bachelor’s degree (n = 66). Three faculties from regions Slovakia addressed. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, frequency) used for sample characteristics tool. Mann-Whitney U test Kruskal Wallis analysed associations sociodemographic data. predictors outcome dimensions by a multiple regression analysis. Results evaluated overall grade as very acceptable. Concerning dimensions, best-rated “Feedback & communication about error” (55.04%) “Communication openness” (53.53%). worst-rated “Frequency events reported” (33.32%) “Staffing” (35.22%). A significant relationship found age, current area/unit, awareness reporting systems, supervision. grade, number reported events, significantly predicted several (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions perspective revealed weak adverse events. requires an increase theoretical knowledge support their clinical training. regular comprehensive evaluation may strengthen among students.