RESUMEN
PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the levels of the perception and work performance of patient safety based on the healthcare accreditation criteria among long-term care hospital nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using questionnaires. Out of 205 criteria, 39 items relevant to patient safety were selectively adapted for this study. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean scores of perception and work performance were 4.36 and 4.24 out of 5, respectively, and the difference between them was significantly different (t=5.78, P<.001). The two variables were both significantly higher among those nurses who were older, married, head nurses, had many nursing experiences, and aware of Healthcare Accreditation than the other nurses. Positive correlations were observed between perception and work performance in all three sub-systems. The relations between these two in the patient care system was the most highly correlated (r=.894, P<.001). The lowest scores of perception and work performances were fire-related criteria (i.e., reporting). CONCLUSION: Overall, subject's perception proves to be higher than their work performance. It is necessary to develop some viable environment and training programs to enhance their work performance up to the level of their perception of patient safety.