Understanding safety measure practices and improvement strategies among health professionals in resource-limited health care settings in the Awi Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore current safety practices and improvement strategies for safety measures. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive method was utilised from January to February 2025, employing both convenience and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 51 direct observations, 8 focus group discussions and 19 key informant interviews were conducted as part of the data collection. SETTING: This study was conducted in health institutions, Woreda health offices and Zonal health offices within the Awi Zone of Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: Comprising frontline health professionals, case team leaders, facility administrators and health officials at both the woreda and zonal levels. RESULTS: The data analysis identified two principal themes: 'safety measures practice' and 'improvement strategies'. Safety practices varied from low to moderate. Five areas were found to have ways to improve safety measures: infrastructure and supply chain management, training and capacity-building, community engagement, policy strengthening and enforcement and human resources management with behavioural change interventions. CONCLUSION: The implementation of safety measures was inconsistent. To enhance safety measures, addressing individual behaviours and issues that are structural, cultural and systemic is essential. Encouraging participation, fostering teamwork and implementing regular monitoring can help make safety practices a routine part of the organisation. This would make the workplace safer, improve healthcare and enhance the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system. This study provides valuable insights that can inform the development of effective implementation strategies in other resource-limited settings.