Post-operative patients’ lived experience of patient safety practices: A descriptive phenomenological study

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is essential in perioperative nursing to prevent adverse events and ensure successful surgical outcomes, although fully managing all complications remains challenging. In low- to middle-income countries, such as the Philippines, unsafe care still contributes to patient deaths. The lack of comprehensive data on patient safety, particularly in public hospitals, highlights the urgent need to address this knowledge gap.

Purpose: This study explored the lived experiences of post-operative patients regarding patient safety practices at a public hospital in Iligan City, Philippines.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach using in-depth interviews with fifteen purposively selected post-operative patients from surgical, obstetrics and gynaecology wards. Data collection was guided by an interview guide that was developed by the researchers and used open-ended questions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s method.

Results: The study identified four key themes: informed care, patient and family empowerment, secure healthcare systems and challenges in care consistency. Patients stressed the importance of clear education and communication for safe decision-making. Active patient and family involvement, continuous nursing care and a safer hospital environment enhanced safety and recovery. However, issues like inadequate consent, delays, communication barriers, emotional neglect and insensitivity to patient needs indicated areas requiring improvement.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of informed care, patient and family empowerment and a safe healthcare environment, all of which are maintained through attentive nursing. However, persistent challenges like poor consent processes, delays, communication barriers and emotional neglect highlight the need for ongoing improvements to ensure consistent, patient-centred care that enhances safety, outcomes and patient trust.