Associations of Communication and Safety Outcomes Among Pediatric Nurses in the United States
Purpose
To gain a deeper understanding of RNs communication related to patient safety.
Background and significance
In pediatric care settings, ineffective communication can lead to safety incidents that may cause harm.
Theoretical/Conceptual framework
Our research was guided by a safety culture framework from United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive.
Method
We used multiple regression models to examine associations between responses for Communication Openness and Feedback & Communication About Error and responses for Frequency of Events Reported and Overall Perceptions of Safety.
Results
Using multiple regression models, we examined associations between responses for Communication Openness and Feedback and Communication About Error and responses for Frequency of Events Reported and Overall Perceptions of Safety.
We determined significant associations between the communication dimensions and the outcome dimensions. Feedback & Communication About Error had greater impact than Communication Openness in predicting Frequency of Events Reported and Overall Perceptions of Safety. While within-year models were significantly better at predicting outcomes, there was no significant difference between the 2016 and 2018 models.
Conclusions
Pediatric RNs’ communication, reporting, and perceptions of patient safety have not improved. RNs are willing to report system flaws within their teams when reporting leads to positive changes. Managers who recognize human failures should create work models that support psychological safety for RNs who identify system failures.
Associations of Communication and Safety Outcomes Among Pediatric Nurses in the United States