Patient Understanding of Patient Safety: Based on Results from Focus Group Discussion

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the degree of recognition regarding the concept of patient safety, as perceived by the patient, using a focus group discussion.Methods: A focus group discussion was conducted with a patient group comprising seven patients.Results: When the participants heard the term “patient safety” they seemed to understand it to be related to the hospital environment or satisfaction with the overall hospitalization experience. The participants emphasized communication between the medical staff and the patients in relation to the explanation of treatments, as well as the provision of information regarding prevention, experience, and the treatment of incidents with patient safety. They agreed on the need for indicators reported by patients. However, they emphasized that additional items and a questionnaire method that considers the patients' point of view are needed.Conclusion: It is necessary to establish and implement various strategies that can raise the awareness of patient safety using patient safety indicators and increase participation in patient safety activities.