Response to patient safety incidents in healthcare settings in Ghana: the role of teamwork, communication openness, and handoffs
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Health Services Research
Abstract
Background Patient safety incidents (PSIs) in healthcare settings are a critical concern globally, and Ghana is no
exception. Addressing PSIs to improve health outcomes requires various initiatives to be implemented including
improving patient safety culture, teamwork and communication between healthcare providers during handoffs.
It is essential to acknowledge the significance of teamwork, communication openness, and effective handoffs in
preventing and managing such incidents. These factors play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of patients and
the overall quality of healthcare services.
Aim This study assessed the occurrence and types of PSIs in health facilities in Ghana. It also examined the role
of teamwork, handoffs and information exchange, and communication openness in response to PSIs by health
professionals.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1651 health workers in three regions of Ghana. Using a
multi-staged sampling technique, the Survey on Patient Safety Culture Hospital Survey questionnaire and the nurse reported scale were used to collect the data and it was analysed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and
linear multiple regression model at a significance of 0.05.
Results There was a reported prevalence of PSIs including medication errors (30.4%), wound infections (23.3%),
infusion reactions (24.7%), pressure sores (21.3%), and falls (18.7%) at least once a month. There was a satisfactory
mean score for responses to adverse events (3.40), teamwork (4.18), handoffs and information exchange (3.88), and
communication openness (3.84) among healthcare professionals. Teamwork, handoffs and information exchange and
communication openness were significant predictors of response to PSIs, accounting for 28.3% of the variance.
Conclusions Effective teamwork, handoffs and information exchange, and communication openness in the
healthcare environment are critical strategies to enhance PSI response. Creating a culture that encourages error
response through teamwork, communication and handoffs provides healthcare professionals with opportunities for learning and improving patient outcomes. Training programs should therefore target health professionals to improve
patient safety and competency. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices and learning from past
incidents, the healthcare system will be able to deliver safe and high-quality care to patients nationwide. Patient safety
must be recognized as an ongoing process. Therefore, a meaningful improvement in patient outcomes requires all
stakeholders’ commitment.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Communication openness, Handoffs, Patient safety incidents, Response, Teamwork