Degree of clinical safety perceived by adult patients hospitalized in an internal medicine service

Abstract

Introduction: Patient safety is the process by which an organization provides assistance and safe
care. It implies adequate risk management, the ability to know and analyze possible incidents,
learn from them and apply solutions that minimize the risk of their occurrence.

Objective: To assess the patient’s perception of the degree of clinical safety during their hospitalization.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 123 hospitalized adult patients. We used a
questionnaire designed and validated to measure the patient’s perception about safety in health
care in the hospital setting. We also carried out a descriptive correlational analysis.

Results: Out of 123 patients, 31% reported having had an incident during the hospital stay, of
which 21% were confused with another patient, 21% had an allergic reaction to drugs or foods,
18% had an infection, and 15% underwent surgery unexpectedly. In general, the assessment of
patients on the safety of health services was perceived in a high degree of security by 71%.

Conclusions: It should be ensured that health professionals are competent to provide safe care
and that safety in the physical structure and equipment is mantained.