The impact of information technology and organizational focus on the visibility of patient care errors

• Published in: Quality management in health care Vol. 19; no. 3; p. 248
• Main Authors: Walston, Stephen L, Mwachofi, Ari, Aldosari, Bakheet, Al-Omar, Badran A, Yousef, Asmaa Al, Sheikh, Asiya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2010
• Subjects: Adult; Communication; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; Information Systems; Male; Medical Errors - prevention & control; Middle Aged; Nurses; Nursing Care - standards; Organizational Culture; Patient Care Management - methods; Patient Care Management - organization & administration; Quality of Health Care - organization & administration; Regression Analysis; Risk Management - organization & administration; Safety Management - methods; Safety Management - organization & administration; Saudi Arabia; Young Adult; Saudi Arabia
• ISSN: 1550-5154
• DOI: 10.1097/QMH.0b013e3181eb3b1d

INVESTIGATED: The implementation of information systems and the creation of an open culture, characterized by emphasis on patient safety and problem solving, are 2 means suggested to improve health care quality. This study examines the effects of use of information technology and focus on patient safety and problem solving on the visibility of patient care errors. A survey of nurses in Saudi Arabia is analyzed by means of factor analysis and multiregression analysis to examine nurses' use of information technology and culture in controlling errors. Our research suggests that greater use of information technology to control patient care errors may reduce the prevalence of such errors while an increased focus on patient safety and problem solving facilitates an open environment where errors can be more openly discussed and addressed. The use of technology appears to have a role in decreasing errors. Yet, an organization that focuses on problem solving and patient safety can open lines of communication and create a culture in which errors can be discussed and resolved.