Examining the Dimensions of Hospital Safety Climate and Psychosocial Risk Factors Among Japanese Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensions, reliability, and main loading factors associated with a Japanese safety climate and psychosocial risk factor scale. Design: The authors used a cross-sectional survey of nurses from a university teaching hospital in Japan during 2008 ( N = 996). The survey tools were based on components previously identified in a variety of international studies, including the Hospital Safety Climate Scale (HSCS) originally developed by Gershon et al. in 2000. Results: Factor analysis of the Japanese HSCS demonstrated key themes in the areas of workplace-related issues, protective devices or mechanisms, and managerial dimensions (Cronbach’s α = .887). Factor analysis of the psychosocial scale revealed key themes comprising individually related items and group dynamics (Cronbach’s α = .882). Conclusions: This study revealed high internal consistency in the Japanese-language safety climate and psychosocial risk factor scales. The authors also identified various factors and themes consistent with previous international research. Implications for Practice: Transcultural research using standard psychosocial tools can reveal important and reliable findings if carefully translated and adapted for the host environment.