Perioperative Safety Determinants in Ethnic Patient Groups an Interview Study in High Risk Surgery Patients - Abstract
Objective: To study patients experiences regarding their perioperative safety in a hospital where we unexpectedly found safer care in non-western ethnic
minority patients compared to Dutch majority patients.
Methods: By purposive sampling nine Dutch majority patients and eight non-western ethnic minority patients were semi-structured interviewed.
Results: In the first theme ‘Nurse and physicians’ behaviour’, positive determinants related to an attitude of experienced Nurse and physician’ that provide
patients with trust. On the other hand, negative determinants provide patients with experiences of unsafety. In the second theme ‘Team performance’, positive
determinants involved effective communication and coordinated care of the Nurse and physician’. Negative determinants related to visible disagreement about
the treatment. In the third theme ‘Patient behaviour’, positive determinants related to seeking support from Nurse and physician’ and family to recover and to
endure an anxious period. Negative determinants related to missing appointments or not consulting the information provided.
Conclusion: Nurses and physicians behaviour, team performance and patient behavior are relevant factors that contribute to patients’ trust and experiences
of safe care. More attention should be paid in engaging patients to participate in their own safety. Through stimulating an active attitude of patients in seeking
support they contribute to experiences of safe care. Stimulating situational awareness on all levels (society, organisational, team, individual and patient level)
may help to improve perioperative safety and safety experience. These results can be used by nurses and physicians to improve patients’ experiences of safe
care, for both non-western ethnic minority and Dutch majority patients in an uncertain and vulnerable perioperative period.