Safety climate in hospitals: A cross-sectional study on the perspectives of nurses and midwives

Aims To explore nurses' and midwives' perspectives of safety climate in Austrian hospitals as measurable elements of safety culture and to identify areas of quality improvement. Background Due to close contact with patients, nurses and midwives play a vital role in ensuring patient safety. Method An online survey among 713 nurses and midwives was conducted, using the 19-item Safety Climate Survey (SCS). To answer the survey, a 5-point Likert scale was provided with higher ratings indicating a more positive safety climate. Results Results demonstrate a positive safety culture (MD 4.09, SD 0.53). Significant group differences in overall safety climate score could be found regarding nurses and midwives in managerial positions, between gender and participants age with low effect size. High item missing rates focus aspects on management/leadership, institutional concerns, leadership by physicians, and handling of adverse events. In addition, these items present the lowest ratings in safety climate. Conclusion Results indicate potentials for optimization in the areas of leadership communication and feedback, the handling of safety concerns, and visibility or improvement of patient safety strategies. Implications for Nursing Management A regular, standardized safety climate measurement can be a valuable tool for nurse managers and (political) decision-makers to manage patient safety initiatives.