Patient safety in the understanding of health care students.

Objective: To verify the understanding of graduate health care students on patient safety.

Method: Descriptive cross study, held in 2015 with 638 students at the Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The study used a questionnaire with variables related to the characterization of students, the conceptual and attitudinal aspects of human error and patient safety, made available online in the Student Portal.

Results: A higher percentage of students reported having no formal training on the subject. The study revealed aspects conside4red fundamental to the safety culture, such as the importance of systemic error analysis, the concern with the work environment and appreciation of teamwork. Some attitudes demonstrated uncertainty in the correct way of acting.

Conclusion: Students showed perceptions that were favorable to patient safety. The formalization of the subject at different levels of education is needed.