@article {Dixon143, author = {Jennifer L. Dixon and Matthew M. Tillman and Hania Wehbe-Janek and Juhee Song and Harry T. Papaconstantinou}, title = {Patients{\textquoteright} Perspectives of Surgical Safety: Do They Feel Safe?}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {143--148}, year = {2015}, publisher = {Ochsner Journal}, abstract = {Background Increased focus on reducing patient harm has led to surgical safety initiatives, including time-out, surgical safety checklists, and debriefings. The perception of the lay public of the surgical safety process is largely unknown.Methods A 20-question survey focused on perceptions of surgical safety practice was distributed to a random sample of patients following elective operations requiring hospitalization. Responses were measured by a 7-point Likert scale. Qualitative feedback was obtained through nonphysician-moderated sessions. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.Results Surveys were distributed to 345 patients of whom 102 (29.5\%) responded. Overall, patients felt safe as evidenced by scores for the questions {\textquotedblleft}I felt safe the day of my surgery{\textquotedblright} (6.53 {\textpm} 0.72) and {\textquotedblleft}Mistakes rarely happen during surgery{\textquotedblright} (5.39 {\textpm} 1.51). Patients undergoing their first surgery and patients with higher income levels were associated with a significant decrease in specific safety perceptions. Qualitative feedback sessions identified the physician-patient relationship as the most important factor positively influencing patient safety perceptions.Conclusion Current surgical safety practice is perceived positively by our patients; however, patients still identify physician-patient interactions, relationships, and trust as the most positive factors influencing their perception of the safety environment.}, issn = {1524-5012}, URL = {https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/15/2/143}, eprint = {https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/15/2/143.full.pdf}, journal = {Ochsner Journal} }