Health professions students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards patient safety: A cross-sectional study

Background: Patient safety is a cornerstone of effective healthcare systems, aimed at minimising errors and adverse outcomes. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health profession students at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) regarding patient safety. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 students from the Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences. The sample size was calculated using RAOSOFT (95% confidence, 5% margin of error), with a minimum of 310 participants. A validated questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Undergraduate students from Years one to three were included. Scores above the domain means were categorised as “good knowledge”, “positive attitude”, or “good practices”. Data were analysed using SPSS v25 with t-tests, ANOVA, and Chi-square, alongside effect sizes. Results: A total of 337 of 370 invited students participated (response rate = 91.1%). Students showed good knowledge (mean 4.00 ± 0.73), positive attitudes (21.93 ± 2.26), and moderate practices (2.91 ± 0.84). Knowledge gaps included “near-miss” events (21.4%) and device reuse misconceptions (29.7%). Female and Health Sciences students demonstrated significantly better practices (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Students possessed adequate knowledge and positive attitudes, while practices were moderate. Targeted curriculum integration on near-miss recognition and safe device use is recommended.