RESUMEN
Background: Patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding the interplay between safety culture and incident reporting behaviors among healthcare professionals is essential for improving patient outcomes. Objective: To examine the perception of patient safety culture among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia and its impact on their attitudes toward incident reporting, considering variables such as level of care, ownership, and professional background. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed both online and onsite to 453 healthcare professionals, with 402 completing it. The survey assessed various dimensions of safety culture and incident reporting behaviors. Statistical analysis included correlation matrices, regression models, and comparative assessments across different types of hospital settings. Results: The study revealed significant associations between perceived safety culture and incident reporting behaviors (p < 0.01). Specifically, management (B = 0.64, p < 0.01), working conditions (r = 0.51, p < 0.01), and job satisfaction (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) were identified as crucial for improvement. The study highlighted the importance of fostering a blame-free culture and establishing clear reporting guidelines to enhance reporting frequencies. Conclusion: Enhancing the perception of patient safety within healthcare settings positively influences the likelihood of incident reporting. Strategic interventions aimed at improving safety culture could significantly advance patient care quality.
RESUMEN
Healthcare providers in prehospital care and emergency departments are often at the frontline of medical crises, facing a range of ethical dilemmas, particularly when it comes to patients refusing treatment. This study aimed to delve into the attitudes of these providers toward treatment refusal, unearthing the strategies they employ in navigating such challenging situations while actively working in prehospital emergency health services. Our findings showed that, as the participants' age and experience increased, so did their inclination to respect patient autonomy and avoid persuading them to change their decision about treatment. It was noted that doctors, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians demonstrated a deeper understanding of patients' rights than other medical specialists. However, even with this understanding, the prioritization of patients' rights tended to diminish in life-threatening situations, giving rise to ethical dilemmas. This underlines the complexity of balancing the healthcare professionals' responsibilities and the patients' autonomy, which can generate ethically challenging scenarios for those working in emergency healthcare. By investigating these attitudes and experiences, this study seeks to foster a more profound understanding of the ethical quandaries faced by emergency healthcare providers. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to the development of effective strategies that support both patients and professionals in managing these tough circumstances.