A Phenomenological Study on Nurses' Experiences of Accidents in Patient Safety / 간호행정학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of accidents in patient safety. METHODS: Data were collected from October 8, 2011 to January 31, 2012 through in-depth interviews with seven nurses who had worked on wards or in the ICU in a university hospital. Data were analyzed by applying Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology. RESULTS: The following six categories were extracted: Fear of the patient's condition caused by the accident, Conflict in the accident report, Blame on others and circumstances, Feeling guilty and sorry as the patient's condition is improving, Being disappointed with the unfavorable atmosphere in dealing with the accident, After the accident, being sensitive in performing nursing duties and being faithful to the principles. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the organizational culture in the hospital related to accidents in patient safety is still closed and punitive, and such an atmosphere causes nurses to feel seriously hurt, but through this experience nurses are likely to mature as nursing professionals. Programs on prevention of accidents in patient safety and a system to guard against these accidents should be established. Also the organizational safety culture should be improved.