The Effect of Patient Safety Education Through a Peer Education Model on Patient Safety Competence and Medical Error Attitudes of Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Abstract

Background: This randomized controlled study examined the effects of peer education on nursing students' patient safety competence and attitudes toward medical errors.

Method: Sixty-two third-year nursing students were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received patient safety education through the standard curriculum, and the intervention group participated in a peer education model.

Results: A weak negative correlation was found between follow-up scores on the Scale of Attitudes Toward Medical Errors (SATME) and the Patient Safety Competency Self-Evaluation Tool (PSCSE) (r = -0.279; p < .05). A moderate negative correlation emerged between SATME and PSCSE attitude subscale scores (r = -0.501; p < .01).

Conclusion: Peer education improved sensitivity to medical errors but was less effective in ensuring knowledge retention. A discrepancy was identified between attitudes and practical application of patient safety knowledge, with students expressing low confidence in applying theoretical knowledge in practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(7):407-414.].