Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the complex relationships among patient safety culture, nurse demographics, advocacy, and patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Why has healthcare lagged behind other industries in improving quality? Little nursing research exists that explores the multifactorial relationships that impact quality.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 1045 nurses from 40 medical/surgical units was analyzed using a correlational cross-sectional design with secondary data analysis. Data sources included survey results for patient safety culture, nurse perceptions of patient advocacy, and patient experience and fall and pressure ulcer rates.
RESULTS: Significant findings included a positive correlation between patient safety culture and advocacy and a negative correlation between safety culture, advocacy, and years of experience as a nurse. No significant correlations were found between safety culture and patient outcomes or advocacy and patient outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Newer nurses were more positive about safety culture and advocacy, whereas experienced nurses were overall less positive.