Personnel Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture in Hemodialysis Units in the Bangkok Metropolis

Abstract

       Patient safety is a challenge issue that impacts the healthcare service system. This cross-sectional survey research aims to study the perception level of patient safety culture among personnel in hemodialysis units in the Bangkok Metropolis. The sample included 366 participants. Data were collected via questionnaires from March to July 2024 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, chi-square, and binary logistic regression analysis.
       The findings indicated that the overall perception level of patient safety culture among personnel in hemodialysis units was high, (a mean score of 4.17). When categorized by four types of hemodialysis unit, the results revealed that 1) The units operated by public hospitals; 2) The unit operated by outsourcing; 3) The units operated by external hospitals or stand-alone units, and 4) The units operated by private hospitals had high perception scores (mean score of 4.23,4.18, 4.17 4.11 respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the overall perception of patient safety culture scores among four hemodialysis units (F (3,360) = 1.954, p-value = 1.21). The analysis of relationships found that hemodialysis units that provided resources to support patient safety practices were 5.7 times more likely (95% CI = 1.79 - 18.28) to perceive a high level of patient safety culture compared to units that did not provide such resources.
       Based on the research findings, although the overall perception of patient safety culture across all ten dimensions was rated as high, two specific dimensions— staffing and work pace, and response to error—showed relatively low average scores. Hemodialysis units should adopt proactive policies prioritizing patient safety. Patient safety policies must be implemented and translated into practical actions and provide resources to support patient safety practices. These measures will help maintain patient safety standards and foster the continuous development and promotion of patient safety in hemodialysis units.