Nursing students’ evaluation of patient safety culture in three central European countries: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate and compare the perceptions of nursing students regarding patient safety culture (PSC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in three Central European countries. Methods Data were collected from 624 nursing students between April and September 2021 using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Results The evaluation of the PSC dimensions did not reach the expected level of 75 %. Significant associations were found between the perception of the dimensions of the individual PSC and age, student status, study year, and clinical placement. The overall patient safety grade, the number of events reported, and the number of events reported by nursing students were significantly predicted by several dimensions of the PSC (p<0.05). Conclusions The evaluation of patient safety culture by nursing students offers a unique perspective. Students come with ‘fresh eyes’ and provide different perspectives that can provide healthcare leaders with a practical opportunity to identify blind spots, review and improve safety protocols, and foster a more inclusive culture that prioritizes patient safety.