Safety climate in the surgical environment: a qualitative study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4025/ciencuidsaude.v24i1.73451

Keywords:

Organizational culture, Surgicenters, Nursing, Patient safety, COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To understand the perception of multidisciplinary teams in university surgical centers regarding safety climate domains during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study conducted in two university hospitals. We developed a semi-structured interview guide based on the domains of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire/Operating Room. Data were collected between February and May 2021 and between June and July 2022, following participant consent and the signing of the Informed Consent Form. We analyzed the data using IRaMuTeQ. Results: Communication was perceived as challenging in both settings. Management was considered responsive to the challenges of the pandemic, particularly in providing personal protective equipment; however, the exchange of information between leadership and staff was deemed insufficient. Healthcare professionals experienced fear, anxiety, and physical and mental exhaustion. Final considerations: Management must advance by engaging collaboratively with professionals, listening to them, and moving away from a punitive culture. Promoting learning from errors and creating spaces that prioritize professionals’ mental healthare key strategies for improvement.

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Author Biographies

  • Cintia Silva Fassarella, State University of Rio de Janeiro

    Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Adjunct Professor. State University of Rio de Janeiro  (UERJ).

  • Rosilene Alves Ferreira, State University of Rio de Janeiro

    Nurse. PhD student in Nursing at Graduate Program in Nursing (PPGENF-UERJ). Assistant Professor. State University of Rio de Janeiro – UERJ

  • Ana Regina Ramos Azevedo, State University of Rio de Janeiro

    Nurse. Master in Nursing. Gaffreé and Guinle University Hospital

  • Andressa Aline Bernardo Bueno, State University of Rio de Janeiro

    Nurse. PhD student in Nursing at PPGENF-UERJ. Gaffreé and Guinle University Hospital.

  • Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes Ribeiro, Higher School of Nursing of Porto

    Nurse. PhD in Nursing Sciences. Adjunct Professor. Higher School of Nursing of Porto - ESEP.

  • Flavia Giron Camerini, State University of Rio de Janeiro

    Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Associate Professor. UERJ.

  • Danielle de Mendonça Henrique, State University of Rio de Janeiro

    Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Associate Professor. UERJ.

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Published

2025-04-22

Issue

Section

Original articles

How to Cite

Safety climate in the surgical environment: a qualitative study . (2025). Ciência, Cuidado E Saúde, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.4025/ciencuidsaude.v24i1.73451