Refakatçi davranışları ile hasta güvenliği arasındaki ilişki

Abstract

This study examines the effects of companion roles on patient safety in a hospital setting. The research was conducted using data collected from 209 inpatients and 209 companions staying in the Cardiology Department of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ministry of Health, Turkey. For data collection, a questionnaire with four sections, designed for patients and companions was used The questionnaire was developed based on a review of national and international literature, patient safety standards, and expert opinions, evaluating socio-demographic characteristics, companion roles, and patient safety practices. The analysis of the data collected through the questionnaire was carried out in two stages: in the first stage, univariate analyses (t-test, ANOVA) were used to examine differences between groups, and significant variables were included in multivariate analyses in the second stage to identify factors affecting companion roles and patient safety practices. The findings show that companions can take on four different roles: "advocate-mediator," "advocate-supporter," "passive participant," and "antagonist." The advocate-mediator role was found to be influenced by education level, healthcare knowledge, and the degree of closeness to the patient. It was determined that having at least a high school education, healthcare knowledge, and being a close family member (such as a child or sibling) strengthened this role. Similarly, the advocate- supporter role was positively influenced by higher education and healthcare knowledge. The passive participant role was influenced by age, education level, the degree of closeness to the patient, and the length of the companion’s stay. Younger and university-educated companions exhibited fewer passive behaviors, although longer stays (5 days or more) increased the passive participant role. The antagonist role was associated with gender, low healthcare knowledge, and patient’s use of equipment. The roles of advocate-supporter and passive participant contributed positively to variables such as practice experience, record-keeping/communication, fall risk, and safe transfer, which are determined to be patient safety factors, while the antagonist role had a negative impact. Female companions generally exhibited more cautious and patient-centered behaviors, improving the safe transfer experience, while companions with healthcare knowledge supported patient safety through informed practices. On the other hand, long-term companionship led to fatigue and decreased attention, weakening patient safety practices. Overall, these findings indicate that companion roles, gender, healthcare knowledge, and the lenght of companionship are critical determinants of patient safety. Given the importance of these factors, it is recommended to develop awareness and education programs targeting companion roles, gender, healthcare knowledge, and the length of the companion’s stay.