Browsing by Author "Erastus, Aina Ndilimeke"

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    The perceptions of nurses on the factors that influence patient safety culture in a Namibian private healthcare setting
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Erastus, Aina Ndilimeke; Lourens, Guin; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nursing & Midwifery.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background and aim: The foundation of healthcare delivery is based on patient safety culture. Nurses are the gatekeepers of patient safety due to their roles in coordinating patient care and interdisciplinary team tasks as well as constant alertness to prevent potential patient harm. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of nurses on the factors that influence patient safety culture in the Namibian private healthcare sector. Methods: A quantitative descriptive case study design was conducted to explore factors that influence patient safety as perceived by nurses in a Namibian private healthcare setting. The sample size (n=112) that was used comprised of registered nurses (n=66), enrolled nurses (n=42) and enrolled nursing auxiliaries (n=4). The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire was used to collect data. Research data was analysed using descriptive with SPSS software, Version 23. Results: The study provided in-depth knowledge on the perceptions of nurses regarding the factors that influence patient safety culture. Findings identified perceived areas of strength in AZ Private Hospital to be 1) management support, 2) organisational learning and 3) teamwork within units. The perceived areas of weakness identified were 1) staffing, 2) communication openness, and 3) frequency of adverse events reporting. The study findings revealed that although management support for the patient safety dimension was perceived to be an area of strength, low reporting frequency of adverse events indicated the need to explore further the factors that influence the frequency of event reporting. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that improving patient safety culture requires strengthening communication in all aspects of care. Hospital management should consider improving communication at all levels of the hierarchy in the hospital by standardising processes to communicate safety issues and creating platforms for nurses to contribute towards preventive measures. Cross-team collaborative care promotes patient safety and thus healthcare administrators should invest in promoting working relationships. Improving patient safety culture requires the involvement of nurses in strategizing and implementing patient safety measures to reduce harm.