Assessment of Patient Safety Competencies among Critical Care Nurses

Bahr, Rwan Ragab Rabea; Atalla, Amal Diab Ghanem; El Sayed,, Ahmed Abdelwahab Ibrahim

doi:10.21608/asalexu.2025.415006

Assessment of Patient Safety Competencies among Critical Care Nurses

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

¹ , Head Nurse Abbas Helmy Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Alexandria Governorate

² Assistant Professor Nursing Administration Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University.

³ Lecturer. Nursing Administration Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University.

10.21608/asalexu.2025.415006

Abstract

Background: Quality assurance programs have been implemented worldwide to address nursing errors
and improve patient safety. However, despite these efforts, threats to patient safety remain a major
concern and contribute to the overall crude death rate. The World Health Organization (2018) reported
that 42.7 million medical errors occurrences annually during hospitalizations. These errors are identified
as the 14th leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide(Mohanty et al., 2018). Aim: This study aims
to assess levels patient safety competencies among critical care nurses. Research Question: What is the
level of patient safety competencies among critical care nurses? Research design: Descriptive research
design was used to carry out this study. Setting: This study was conducted at all critical units of
Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: All nurses (N=289) who are working in the previous
mentioned units were recruited to collect the required data. Tools: One tool is used to collect the
necessary data Patient Safety Competency Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (PSCSE). Results: The highest
percentage of nurses (72.7% ) had high level of patient safety competencies. Conclusion: This study
highlights that nurses exhibit a moderate to high level of patient safety competencies. By possessing the
necessary competencies, healthcare professionals can identify, prevent, and manage medical errors and
adverse events, contributing to a culture of safety within the healthcare system. Recommendations: Based
on the findings of this study the policy makers and nurse leaders should fund training programs by
allocating funding for the development and implementation of training programs that focus on patient
safety competencies. Mandate continuing education by requiring ongoing professional development in
patient safety as part of licensure renewal for nurses, ensuring continuous improvement in these critical
areas. Promote a safety culture by encouraging healthcare organizations to cultivate a culture of safety,
where patient safety is core values supported by leadership and embedded in daily practices. Standardize
competency assessments through establish standardized tools and methods for regularly assessing nurses'
patient safety competencies, ensuring consistency and accountability

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