Development of a safety culture: initial measurements at six hospitals in France.

A cross-sectional and descriptive survey of a safety culture (SC) was conducted in 20 clinical units in France. A self-administered questionnaire measuring 12 dimensions of safety culture was given to healthcare professionals. The overall response rate was 65%. The poorly developed dimensions of safety culture that were identified were nonpunitive response to error, staffing, management support for patient safety, handoffs, and transitions.