Patients for Patient Safety and Inpatients’ Perceptions of Safety in three Hospitals in Tshwane, South Africa

Background: It has been found that an increasing number of patients are being harmed while receiving hospital care, and many reporting models are woefully insufficient. Patients' involvement in their own safety during hospitalization has been shown to make healthcare systems safer. Their perception of safety may differ from that of health care workers, but their contribution to safety brings a different perspective. There is currently no data on patients for patient safety and their perception of safety in Pretoria's Tshwane District. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a semi-structured validated questionnaire and a calculated sample size 281. Data were analysed using both Microsoft Excel and Instat software programs. Simple descriptive statistics were employed and the results were presented in tables. Inferential statistics were calculated for the association of variables, and statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results: The majority of inpatients were single (184; 65.5%), and were female (163, 58%) with a secondary school education (175; 62.3%). Patients were not informed about hospital rules (205; 73%), or about the importance of wearing an identification bracelet (232; 82.6%) and the meaning of the colour-coding (271; 96.4%). They were informed about the care provided (146; 52%) and were asked to get involved in their safety (54; 54.8%). They were happy regarding issues of confidentiality and privacy (166, 59.1%). They were satisfied with their pain control (221; 78.6%). Conclusion: The ‘patients for patient safety’ principle is not effective in these institutions. Patients were unaware of the precautionary measures. Standard procedures should be established to allow inpatients to participate in safety.