Using the AHRQ SOPS Surveys webpage, provided in the topic Resources, select the SOPS survey appropriate for the practice setting in which you work. Complete the survey at your site and discuss how your facility scored. What changes would you recommend based on the survey results?
Solution
For the AHRQ SOPS Hospital Survey Version 2.0, I selected the Hospital Survey as it best aligns with my postpartum unit. After completing the survey, the highest-scoring domains were Supervisor Support for Patient Safety (5.00), Communication Openness (4.75), and Organizational Learning (4.67), indicating strong leadership engagement, open communication, and a focus on continuous improvement. Additionally, Teamwork (4.33) and Response to Error (4.50) scored well, suggesting that staff members collaborate effectively and that the unit is shifting toward a learning culture rather than a punitive one. However, Staffing & Work Pace (3.25) and Reporting Patient Safety Events (3.33) were among the lower-scoring areas, highlighting concerns about workload demands and a potential reluctance to report safety events. The Number of Events Reported (2.00) was notably low, suggesting that incidents may be underreported, possibly due to fear of blame or a lack of awareness about the reporting process (Chilukuri & Westerman, 2024).
Several changes are recommended to improve patient safety. First, addressing staffing shortages by optimizing shift distribution and ensuring adequate coverage would help reduce workload strain. Second, fostering a non-punitive reporting culture by encouraging staff to report near misses and adverse events without fear of retribution can help identify and mitigate risks proactively. Educational initiatives and anonymous reporting options can support this. Additionally, maintaining strong leadership involvement in patient safety efforts and continuing regular safety huddles will reinforce a culture of learning rather than blame. By implementing these changes, my facility can strengthen patient safety, improve reporting transparency, and ensure staff members feel supported (Saleh et al., 2024).
References:
Chilukuri, G., & Westerman, S. T. (2024). Healthcare workers’ perceptions of patient safety culture in United States hospitals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Medical Students, 12(4), 422–436. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2024.2560
Saleh, H., Hamadi, H., & Alhaiti, A. (2024). Enhancing patient safety culture and examining adverse events in intensive care units: A comparative analysis. Nursing & Care Open Access Journal, 10(2), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.15406/ncoaj.2024.10.00287