Comprehensive Strategies and Recommendations for Optimising Patient Safety Practices in Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study

Background Enhancing patient safety in hospitalised patients is crucial. In Ethiopia, a lack of effective patient safety protocols has led to significant gaps in safety culture. This study aims to develop strategies to enhance patient safety practices in public hospitals in Addis Ababa. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used within a pragmatic worldview framework. Participants were recruited through heterogeneous stratified and purposive sampling. Data collection included a questionnaire, a checklist, and an interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings informed the development of patient safety strategies. Results Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated to support patient safety practices in public hospitals in Addis Ababa. The integrated findings were used as a foundation for developing the final patient safety strategies. Conclusion Ensuring healthcare workers have a good understanding and implement patient safety principles will improve their adherence to SOPs and guidelines, thereby reducing the risk of errors. Originality Findings from an empirical study informed the development of patient safety strategies, which were then validated through a panel of expert review.