Implications of Nurses' COVID-19 Phobias on Patient Safety Culture: A Cross-Sectional study

Background: COVID-19 phobia in nurses may increase the incidence of negative events that threaten the culture of patient safety. Especially due to the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, there is concern that nurses may engage in practices that may threaten patient safety against a possible pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship and impact of nurses' COVID-19 phobia levels with patient safety culture. Methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive and cross-sectional design. Data was collected from 165 nurses in Turkey using the descriptive characteristics form, COVID-19 phobia (C19P-S) and patient safety culture scale (PSC-S) between August and November 2022 via online responses. Results: The mean score of C19P-S of the nurses was 47,85±19,29, and the mean score of PSC-S was determined as 2,75±0,57. There was a significant correlation between psychological and the employee behavior subscales (r=0,174; p<0,05). The impact value of nurses' COVID-19 phobia on patient safety culture was found to be β=,153, p=,050. Conclusions: Nurses have low COVID-19 phobias and moderate patient safety culture perceptions. A positive and low level significant relationship was found between psychological and employee behavior subscales. There was no significant impact of nurses' COVID-19 phobias on patient safety culture.