Nurses' Perception of Patient Safety Culture in Primary Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic A Preliminary Results

Investigation of nurses' perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) might be beneficial in identifying safety areas that need improvement, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reports on the PSC in primary care from the nurses' perspective during the pandemic. Nurses (n = 117) evaluated teamwork (87.3%) and staff training (80.9%) positively but work pressure and pace (26.1%) and patient care tracking (45.3%) concerning PSC dimensions negatively. Limited care coordination and continuity lead to patient hospitalizations and care fragmentation. However, regular assessment of PSC can lead to adopting the necessary strategies to reinforce weaknesses and thus improve patient safety in primary care.

Automated summary

This study reports on nurses' perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses evaluated teamwork and staff training positively, but had negative views on work pressure and pace, as well as patient care tracking. Limited care coordination and continuity resulted in patient hospitalizations and care fragmentation. Regular assessment of PSC can help address weaknesses and improve patient safety in primary care.