Iranian nurses’ attitudes towards the disclosure of patient safety incidents: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Patient safety is the first vital step in improving quality in all health organizations. Statistics suggest that patients and officials are unaware of a large number of patient safety incidents in healthcare centers. A correct attitude towards the disclosure of patient safety incidents is effective in reporting them in hospitals. Reporting errors is fundamental to error prevention. The present study aimed to explain the concept of disclosure of patient safety incidents from the perspectives of Iranian nurses. Materials:This qualitative content analysis study was done in 2021-2022 in Hormozgan, Iran. The aim was to explain the experiences of Iranian nurses (n = 17) using purposive sampling and semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Maximum variation sampling was considered to obtain rich information. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to increase the study trustworthiness and rigor.Graneheim and Lundman method were used to analyze data. Results: We extracted 443 codes, one theme, four categories, nine Subcategories. The main theme was the mental schemas of disclosure of patient safety incidents with four categories: 1- misconception of harm to the organization or a person, 2- opinions about the disclosure process and outcome, 3- opinions about behaviors, and 4- inner conflict between feelings. Conclusion: Since an attitude towards the disclosure of patient safety incidents determines the behavior of disclosure, health officials should create a positive attitude towards disclosure in nurses and take an effective step to prevent incidents. This will improve patient safety and satisfaction, and hospital quality.