World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE PATIENT SAFETY IN SAUDI PUBLIC HOSPITALS: AN EVALUATIVE STUDY

Areej Almusaylim*, Rakan R. Alreshidi, Dr. Ashraf Baboor, Saif Alanezi, Mohammed A. Alsuwayti, Abdulaziz A. Albakri, Metha R. Alsalmani, Arwa A. Alharby, Turki A. Almalki, Nuha F. Alsaeed, Waad K. Alanazi, Anwer K. Alanazi, Hamidah M. Alruwaili, Anfal D. Alreshidi, Nouf Al-Subaie, Naif M. Alshammari, Maryam Aljabli, Yousef M.A. Alanazi

ABSTRACT

Background: Patient safety remains a critical concern in hospitals worldwide. Evidence-based nursing (EBN) strategies, including training, adherence to protocols, and structured safety interventions, have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce preventable adverse events. In Saudi Arabia, evaluating the effectiveness of such strategies is essential to enhance healthcare quality and safety culture. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of evidence-based nursing strategies on patient safety in public hospitals across Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional, evaluative quantitative study was conducted among 75 nurses from eight public hospitals, including King Saud Medical City, King Fahd Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh Central Hospital, Jeddah General Hospital, Hail Regional Hospital, Dammam University Hospital, and Prince Sultan Hospital. Data on patient safety incidents, protocol adherence, staff perception, and intervention effectiveness were collected using structured surveys and hospital records. Descriptive statistics summarized numeric and categorical variables, while independent t-tests, Pearson correlations, and Chi-square tests were conducted to examine relationships between evidence-based nursing strategies and patient safety outcomes. Results: Nurses who had received evidence-based practice (EBP) training exhibited significantly higher patient safety scores compared to those without training (T = 7.07, p < 0.001). Higher adherence to clinical protocols was strongly associated with fewer patient safety incidents (r = -0.92). Additionally, a significant association was found between EBP training and achieving high patient safety scores (χ² = 11.38, p = 0.0007). Interventions such as checklists, safety rounds, and staff training further contributed to improved safety outcomes. Conclusion: The implementation of evidence-based nursing strategies—including structured training, strict protocol adherence, and targeted interventions—significantly enhances patient safety in Saudi public hospitals. Hospital policies promoting EBN and continuous professional development are recommended to sustain improvements in patient care quality and safety culture.

[Full Text Article]   [Download Certificate]