A benchmarking study on the patient safety culture of hospitals in India (November 2026)

Summary

Several hospitals in India face challenges in establishing a strong patient safety culture, which is crucial for quality health care. This study aimed to evaluate and benchmark the patient safety cultures across various Indian hospitals.

An analysis of the data on patient safety culture obtained using a questionnaire showed that 62 (79%) hospitals used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool. Analysis of the composite positive response score of safety culture dimensions highlighted strengths in organisational learning and teamwork, but weaknesses in staffing and work conditions .

This study highlights the current patient safety culture in Indian hospitals and identifies its strengths and gaps. These findings serve as a basis for benchmarking and targeted improvements, particularly in staffing and communication, to enhance the overall patient safety.