Patient Safety; A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Patient safety is a foundational principle of healthcare quality, yet it remains conceptually complex and inconsistently defined across clinical, educational, and organizational contexts. The lack of a unified and clearly articulated definition hampers theoretical development, weakens measurement strategies, and obstructs the effective implementation of safety interventions. As healthcare systems grow more complex, the need to clarify the concept of patient safety becomes increasingly urgent to ensure its consistent application in research, education, policy, and clinical practice. This study employs Walker and Avant’s concept analysis framework to examine and refine the meaning of patient safety, identifying its defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents within contemporary healthcare literature. A systematic review of scholarly databases was conducted using a PRISMA-style process to extract relevant conceptual and empirical sources. Analysis revealed that patient safety is a multidimensional, system-oriented concept characterized by proactive harm prevention, a culture of safety, strong leadership, open communication, and competent professional practice. Key antecedents include adequate staffing, psychological safety, organizational support, education, and systems thinking. Identified consequences include a reduction in adverse events, improved care quality, enhanced well-being among healthcare workers, and increased organizational trust. Empirical referents consist of safety culture assessments, error reporting behaviors, and various performance indicators related to patient safety. Clarifying this concept contributes to a stronger theoretical foundation and promotes consistent and effective integration into healthcare research, education, and policy aimed at minimizing patient harm and enhancing the quality of care.