Date of Conferral
2018
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Nursing
Advisor
Leslie Hussey
Abstract
Despite efforts to ensure patient safety in the United States, patients are being harmed by preventable errors. There is a gap in the literature from the nurse's perspective as to why medical errors continue to occur despite having evidence-based safety strategies available. The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to develop a theory explaining nurses' perception of their role in patient safety and why medical errors are still occurring despite implementation of evidence-based safety strategies. The systems engineering initiative for patient safety (SEIPS) model provided the conceptual framework for the study. Data collection included interviews with 11 nurses who worked in a Magnet designated hospital. Data were sorted and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Three themes emerged: technology, work environment, and human factors. These themes aligned with components of the SEIPS model. An emphasis on how technology adds to the nurses' workload compounded with a busy work environment was noted as a contributing factor for bypassing safety systems. The bypass model theory was derived from the themes to describe the conditions that nurses work in that result in bypassing safety systems. Further research needs to go beyond engaging nurses with the implementation of health IT system by examining long-term impacts on workflow as changes are being made. Addressing the reasons why safety measures are bypassed can affect positive social change which will improve the quality and safety of patient care outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Janeane, "Nurses' Perception of Their Role in Patient Safety" (2018). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 5434.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5434
