The Role of Nursing Leadership in Promoting Patient Safety Culture and Quality of Care in Tertiary Hospitals of South Punjab

Abstract

Background: Nursing leadership plays a critical role in shaping patient safety culture and influencing the quality of care in healthcare systems, particularly in resource-constrained tertiary hospital settings. Objective: To assess the association between nursing leadership, patient safety culture, and quality of care among nurses working in tertiary care hospitals of South Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 nurses selected through convenience sampling from multiple public-sector tertiary hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing leadership, safety culture, and quality of care. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Nursing leadership showed a strong positive correlation with patient safety culture (r = 0.680, p < 0.001) and quality of care (r = 0.610, p < 0.001). Patient safety culture was also significantly correlated with quality of care (r = 0.630, p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis demonstrated significant associations between leadership and safety culture (χ² = 32.45, p < 0.001) and quality of care (χ² = 28.67, p < 0.001). Descriptive findings indicated generally positive perceptions, although gaps were noted in non-punitive error reporting and resource availability. Conclusion: Nursing leadership is significantly associated with improved patient safety culture and quality of care. Strengthening leadership practices and supportive organizational environments may enhance patient outcomes in tertiary healthcare settings.