Table 1 The six factors and corresponding items in the original Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) version

Teamwork climate

Nurse input is well received in this office.

In this office, it is difficult to speak up if I perceive a problem with patient care.

Disagreements in this office are resolved appropriately (i.e., not who is right but what is best for the patient).

I have the support I need from other personnel to care for patients.

It is easy for personnel in this office to ask questions when there is something that they do not understand.

The physicians and nurses here work together as a well-coordinated team.

Safety climate

I would feel safe being treated here as a patient.

Medical errors are handled appropriately in this office.

I receive appropriate feedback about my performance.

In this office, it is difficult to discuss errors.

I am encouraged by my colleagues to report any patient safety concerns I may have.

The culture in this office makes it easy to learn from the errors of others.

I know the proper channels to direct questions regarding patient safety in this office.

Working conditions

This office does a good job of training new personnel.

All the necessary information for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions is routinely available to me.

This office deals constructively with problem personnel.

Trainees in my discipline are adequately supervised.

Job satisfaction

I like my job.

Working in this office is like being part of a large family.

This office is a good place to work.

I am proud to work at this office.

Morale in this office is high.

Perceptions of management

The management of this office supports my daily efforts.

Office management does not knowingly compromise the safety of patients.

The levels of staffing in this office are sufficient to handle the number of patients.

I am provided with adequate, timely information about events in the office that might affect my work.

Stress recognition

When my workload becomes excessive, my performance is impaired.

I am less effective at work when fatigued.

I am more likely to make errors in tense or hostile situations.

Fatigue impairs my performance during emergency situations (e.g. code or cardiac arrest).