The Relationship Between Patient Safety Competence and Clinical Care Self-Efficacy in Nursing Students

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between patient safety competence and clinical care self-efficacy among nursing students. This cross-sectional correlational study included 284 nursing students with clinical practice experience. Patient safety competence was assessed within the domains of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, while clinical care self-efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the perceived self-efficacy dimension of the Self-Efficacy for Clinical Evaluation Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used. The mean patient safety competence score was 4.06±0.48 and the mean clinical care self-efficacy score was 3.74±0.57. A moderate positive correlation was found between the two variables (r=.38, p<.001). Students who had received patient safety education had higher scores for both variables. Clinical care self-efficacy also differed significantly according to year of study and duration of clinical practice experience. In the regression model, patient safety competence was the strongest predictor of clinical care self-efficacy (β=.34, p<.001). Stronger knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding patient safety were associated with greater perceived self-efficacy in clinical care. Nursing curricula should strengthen practice-based educational strategies integrating patient safety and clinical care competence.