Putting patients first: how risk awareness drives action among healthcare professionals in Slovakia.

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore how healthcare professionals in Slovak hospitals perceive patient safety concerns and how these perceptions shape their actions. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research design using individual semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: A total of 32 healthcare professionals with prior or current work experience in various departments of Slovak hospitals participated. The authors identified two themes: (1) patient health and safety as a core professional value closely linked to emotional experiences and fear of professional failure, and (2) context-dependent decision-making in response to patient safety concerns, with internal conflict when witnessing suboptimal care and efforts to protect patients through speaking up, intervening, or taking preventive measures. Discussion: The findings indicated that healthcare professionals conceptualised patient safety concerns not only as discrete patient safety issues, but also in relation to general health concerns, with a focus on ensuring safe and appropriate care. However, barriers to providing high-quality healthcare were also present, highlighting opportunities to improve safety culture and promote teamwork, shared responsibility, and open communication within hospital teams in Slovakia. The findings of this study may have relevance beyond the Slovak context, particularly in hospital settings in other post-socialist countries.