Exploring the use of patient safety climate surveys for improvement : a descriptive phenomenology

Abstract

Over the last 20 years, a large amount of research has been conducted on the development and validation of patient safety climate surveys. Despite the volume of research on the topic, little is known about how patient safety climate surveys are used in practice. The intent of this descriptive phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of individuals who use patient safety climate survey results for improvement. Understanding how individuals working in health care use patient safety climate survey results may provide insight into the value of patient safety climate surveys and identify gaps in the resources staff require to effectively use survey results. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 7 individuals identified as having experience using patient safety climate survey results for improvement. The findings of this qualitative study suggest leadership commitment and external support are the most influential components required to act on survey results in a meaningful and sustainable way. This study is a starting point to understanding how patient safety climate surveys are used in practice. More research is needed to thoroughly understand this phenomenon.