Assessment and analysis of patient safety competency of Chinese nurses with associate degrees: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To analyse the patient safety competency (PSC) of Chinese nurses with associate degrees (ADNs) and explore factors. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A convenience sample of 451 ADNs working in 18 hospitals located in Chongqing city of China was investigated using the Patient Safety Competency Nurse Evaluation Scale (PSCNES). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: ADNs had a moderate level of PSC. In terms of the six dimensions of PSC, ADNs performed well in clinical practice and safety risk management, while they performed poorly in patient-centred care and patient safety culture. Statistically significant differences were reported in two items. Firstly, ADNs who have participated in patient safety training had a higher level in all dimensions of PSC than those who have not participated in related training. Secondly, ADNs without professional titles had a higher level of patient safety culture than those with professional titles.

Automated summary

Chinese nurses with associate degrees have a moderate level of patient safety competency, performing well in clinical practice and safety risk management, but poorly in patient-centered care and patient safety culture. Factors such as participation in patient safety training and having professional titles were found to influence their PSC levels.