From Policy to Practice: Assessing Patient Safety Program Implementation in Government Hospitals in Albay, Philippines

This study assessed the implementation of patient safety programs in selected government hospitals in Albay, Philippines, focusing on compliance levels, system gaps, and implementation challenges. A descriptive survey design was used involving six government hospitals classified as infirmary and Level I facilities. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Department of Health’s Integrated Hospital Operations Management Program patient safety component. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and mean scores, were used to analyze compliance levels. Findings showed that several components were fully complied with, including quality nursing documentation, functional infection prevention and control committees, food safety and nutrition care, diagnostic processes, and patient safety committees. However, clinical audit, pharmacovigilance, functional IPC units, IPC assessment tool accomplishment, root cause analysis, and system-based patient safety indicators were only partially complied with. Major challenges included limited budget allocation, high staff turnover, limited training opportunities, inadequate staffing, high workload, and difficulty sustaining IPC practices. The study concludes that patient safety structures are present but inconsistently operationalized. Strengthening clinical audits, pharmacovigilance, IPC monitoring, root cause analysis, workforce support, and non-punitive reporting systems is recommended to improve patient safety implementation in government hospitals.