Knowledge of community health workers regarding patient safety

Abstract

Objective: To assess community health workers' knowledge of patient safety and adherence to safety protocols in primary care.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Family Health Units in Recife, Pernambuco, between March and September 2025. The sample consisted of 23 participants. Three forms were used: sociodemographic and economic profile; conceptual, normative, and organizational knowledge; and a third to assess perceptions about protocols, communication, and incident reporting in primary care. Statistical analysis considered p<0.05 to be significant. Results: There was a predominance of females (82.6%), with a mean age of 51.3 (±19.3) years, and most had a civil service contract with the Municipal Government. Regarding educational level, 56.5% had completed or were pursuing higher education, and 63.2% of the agents had a per capita family income of up to one minimum wage. Only 8.7% had participated in patient safety activities. A statistically significant association was identified between knowledge about patient safety and age, education, length of service, and educational activities (p<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.004; p=0.024, respectively). Conclusion: There is a need to intensify continuing education on patient safety in primary care, especially for professionals with longer service time and lower education levels, strengthening the culture of safety in care.