Date of Conferral

2-11-2026

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Matt Frederiksen-England

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between safety-promoting management structures and medical errors in South Florida hospitals. The purpose of the study was to determine if safety-promoting management frameworks reduce medical errors. Using Donabedian’s model, the main research question focused on whether specific organizational management systems are significantly associated with the frequency and severity of medical mistakes in these hospitals. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, the study analyzed secondary data, initially collected by Leapfrog group. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to profile the sample’s demographics and baseline characteristics, followed by inferential statistical tests to assess the primary hypothesis. Findings showed no significant link between safety management structures and medical error outcomes in South Florida hospitals. The main limitation was reliance on self-reported error data, prone to underreporting and bias. Future research should use objective incident data and longitudinal designs to better establish causality. While management structures are important, their effectiveness depends on stakeholder partnerships and a safety culture that encourages reporting without punishment. The study indicates that current structures may need adjustments to reduce errors and improve patient safety. The implications suggest shifting healthcare policy from structural to systemic transparency and collaboration. This highlights the need for hospital leaders and policymakers to develop nonpunitive, collaborative reporting cultures. This work may promote positive social change by encouraging healthcare administrators to continue to focus on structural strategies that may improve patient outcomes

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