Effect of Implementing the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative on Patient Safety Culture Publisher



M Ahmadi Hedayat M ; M Khoobi MITRA ; A Anisiyan A
Source: Health Education and Health Promotion Published:2025

Abstract

Aims Patient safety has consistently been a primary concern in healthcare systems globally. The World Health Organization’s comprehensive approach includes changes in safety culture, system development, and professional development. The patient safety friendly hospital initiative aims to enhance patient safety by prioritizing it as a core aspect of hospital practices, going beyond the objective of expeditious discharge. This study aimed to assess the effect of implementing the patient safety friendly hospital initiative on patient safety culture. Instrument & Methods This pre-post intervention design (single-group design) study utilized standards set by the World Health Organization for promoting patient safety culture, which includes 140 items categorized into five groups, including governance and leadership, patient and community involvement, safe clinical services, safe environment, and education. These groups were further divided into subgroups with mandatory, basic, and advanced standards. Findings Hospitalizations in low-and middle-income countries resulted in significant mortality due to substandard safety practices, many of which were preventable. In Iran, despite a lack of documented statistics, the increasing number of complaints suggested high error rates, leading to substantial financial burdens. Conclusion The implementation of safety standards has benefits for hospitals and society by enhancing patient safety and reducing adverse events. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.