Perceptions of Patient Safety Among Middle Managers at an Operating Suite

In 2008, the World Health Organization launched the Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) to reduce the number of adverse events occurring at operating suites. The objective of this study was to explore middle managers’ experiences of patient safety culture, the meanings they attach to this culture, and their perceptions of one of its best-known strategies, the SSC. This study used a qualitative design involving structured interviews with the head of department, quality managers, and nursing supervisors at an operating suite. Eleven middle managers acknowledged that the SSC supports memory and instils accountability. Work overload was highlighted as the main barrier in SSC implementation, while feedback was identified as the main facilitator. We found significant differences in levels of understanding of patient safety culture among different types of middle managers and professions. Key aspects for promoting an effective, long-lasting patient safety culture were also identified.