Evaluating Workplace Incivility and Its Relationship With Patient Safety Culture Among EMS Staff: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study in Iran

Background: Workplace incivility can severely affect healthcare workers and patients. It creates an unhealthy and unsafe environment, reduces job satisfaction, and often leads to higher staff turnover rates. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a culture of respect and civility in healthcare workplaces to prevent these adverse outcomes.

Aims: Research on the relationship between safety culture and workplace incivility in emergency medical service (EMS) settings in Iran needs to be improved, and more studies are required to examine patient safety culture globally. This study examines the relationship between workplace incivility and safety culture among the EMS staff.

Research Design: Cross-sectional analytical survey.

Methods: This study included 203 EMS staff members who were selected using census population sampling from emergency medical centers in Ardabil City. Researchers used the EMS–Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (EMS–SAQ), the workplace incivility scale, and a demographic characteristics’ form to gather information. The study employed multivariable logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses to analyze the impact of various factors on workplace incivility and safety culture amongst EMS staff.

Results: According to the study, EMS workers’ average patient safety culture was 51.32%. The study also revealed that more than half of EMS workers (52.7%) experience workplace incivility at least once a month. This behavior negatively affects the staff’s adherence to patient safety guidelines during EMS missions, leading to high turnover rates. The study also found that workplace incivility is linked to patient safety culture, and these negative experiences can decrease patient safety culture.

Conclusion: EMS workers in Iran exhibit a poor attitude toward patient safety culture, exacerbated by workplace incivility. This negative behavior impacts adherence to safety guidelines and contributes to high staff turnover intention rates. To improve outcomes, healthcare organizations need to implement policies and training programs to address inappropriate behaviors. Cultivating a culture of respect, professionalism, and effective communication can enhance staff safety and improve the quality of patient care.