Physicians’ awareness and experiences of patient safety from 2021 to 2023 in Korea: a cross-sectional survey study
- Author:
Minsu OCK
1
;
Hyeran JEONG
;
Jung-Ha KIM
;
Hokee YUM
;
Jae Ho LEE
;
Min-Woo JO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(4):253-265
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Purpose:We aimed to derive insights by analyzing the results of a patient safety awareness survey conducted by the Regional Patient Safety Center of the Korean Medical Association.
Methods:Survey questions were developed in three domains: sociodemographic characteristics, patient safety awareness, and patient safety education needs. An online anonymous survey targeting Korean physicians was conducted annually from 2021 to 2023. Chi-square tests were used to verify differences in responses by year and sociodemographic characteristics.
Results:A total of 774 physicians participated in the survey over the three-year period. Approximately half of the participants were still assessed to have insufficient knowledge about patient safety, and no clear year-over-year improvement was observed. Additionally, while patient safety incidents appeared common, the proportion of respondents who reported incidents remained around 20%. However, participants showed high levels of agreement or engagement in patient participation activities related to patient safety (over 90%), with 60% having previously received patient safety-related education, and nearly 90% expressing willingness to participate in future education. The findings also highlighted a particular urgency in improving patient safety awareness among clinic-based physicians.
Conclusion:Promoting awareness of patient safety incident reporting methods and encouraging clinic-based physicians to report incidents should be prioritized. The study’s findings will provide a foundation for more effectively fostering physician engagement in patient safety improvement activities.
