Determinants of Perceived Patient Safety Impact of Incident Reporting Systems in Egypt

Abstract

Incident reporting systems (IRSs) are important tools for identifying and analysing safety incidents, promoting organisational learning, and supporting preventive action. However, their perceived contribution to patient safety may vary according to reporting practices, organisational support, feedback, and safety culture. This study examined factors associated with healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the impact of IRSs on patient safety in selected Egyptian hospitals. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible healthcare professionals using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed reporting practices, feedback, perceived barriers, system effectiveness, use of incident-reporting data, no-blame safety culture, familiarity with reporting policies, compliance with reporting procedures, and perceived patient-safety impact. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariable logistic regression. Most participants reported a positive or very positive effect of IRSs on patient safety outcomes. However, there were gaps in knowledge of reporting policies and in adherence to reporting procedures. The most commonly cited barriers to incident reporting were heavy workload and lack of management support. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that system effectiveness, reporting frequency, policy familiarity, no-blame safety culture and feedback were independently associated with a positive perceived patient-safety impact. Although IRSs were generally viewed positively, limitations in reporting culture, policy awareness, feedback and safety culture may inhibit their perceived contribution to improving patient safety. Improving system function, increasing staff awareness of reporting policies, increasing compliance and frequency of reporting, providing timely and helpful input, and fostering a supportive no-blame culture may increase the effectiveness of IRSs in Egyptian hospitals.