A social-ecological analysis of personal factors associated with patient safety incidents in a regional hospital of Vhembe District, South Africa

Abstract Background Patient Safety Incidents (PSIs) continue to pose a significant challenge in hospitals across South Africa, especially within resource-constrained rural areas like the Vhembe District. Such incidents stem from complex, multilayered factors that go beyond mere individual factors. This study utilised the Socio-Ecological Model to explore personal contributors to PSIs at a regional hospital located in the Vhembe district. Methods The study was a qualitative exploratory-descriptive study. The authors purposively sampled healthcare workers (doctors and nurses) from the wards, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), theatre, labour, antenatal, and paediatric wards. Data were gathered from 13 participants using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data. Results Two main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Intrapersonal/individual factors and (2) Interpersonal/relationship factors. Intrapersonal contributors included inadequate skills and training, low motivation andnegative attitudes, and gaps in knowledge and safety awareness. Interpersonalcontributors included poor communication, lack of teamwork, and reluctance to seek help.Participants explained how these factors led to adverse events such as self-extubations,unattended labour, medication errors, and violation of sterile procedures. Conclusion PSIs at the selected regional hospital were greatly influenced by modifiableintrapersonal and interpersonal factors. By enhancing ongoing training, fosteringpsychological safety, advancing communication culture, and improving supportivesupervision, the chances of preventable harm can be significantly lowered.