Safety Climate Perceptions in Clinical Microsystems: Survey of Frontline Healthcare Providers in an Accredited Indian Hospital

Safety climate, as a subset ofsafety culture, refers to the perceptions and attitudes about safety as an integral part of the work environment. Several studies and surveys have attempted to measure aspects of culture or climate in healthcare organizations and assess the extent to which safety was a strategic priority. In the Indian context, while studies have focused on clinical parameters as an index of patient safety, there has been lack of research on wider systemic issues such as the culture or climate of patient safety. This study is a baseline survey of frontline healthcare providers and administrative staff across multiple clinical units in an accredited hospital. Variations were found for the safety climate items across the clinical units, professions as well as based on experience. Staff nurses differed significantly in their perception of constant emphasis on safety in their units and belief in a nonpunitive culture. Staff with less than a year of experience showed lower perception of being encouraged to report safety concerns, belief in non-punitive systems as well as constant emphasis on safety. The areas of strength includedrespect for safety guidelines, importance of handovers and knowledge of reporting channels. Areas with potential for improvement included clinical leadership of consultants, multi-disciplinary briefings in units and the need for a non-punitive culture.