Perceived potential risk factors in child care
Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
Article publication date: 1 February 2004
Abstract
This study is based on semi‐structured interviews focusing on staff members’ opinions about potential risk factors that could threaten patient safety. The aim was to acquire more in‐depth knowledge about the causes of patient injuries. The study, which was conducted at a children's hospital, has a qualitative approach that is influenced by the critical incident technique. A total of 28 persons were interviewed. Analysis of the data resulted in five qualitatively differentiated categories of potential risk factors: a large influx of patients, a lack of professional experience, a lack of inter‐professional communication and cooperation, and deficiencies related to work hours and to the physical environment. The results reflect a complex picture where the risks, as described by the informants, can either alone or in concert directly or indirectly affect the individual in the practice of his or her profession or contribute to a mistake.
Keywords
Citation
Ödegård, S. and Hallberg, L. (2004), "Perceived potential risk factors in child care", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 38-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777260410532056
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited