Continuous Training Protocol Adherence and Safety Culture in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units in Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Continuous Training Protocol Adherence and Safety Culture in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units in Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gabriel Petre Gorecki, Ovidiu Horea Bedreag, Dorel Săndesc, Horaţiu Moldovan, Dan Gabriel Costea, Anamaria Hărăbor, Dan Nicolae Păduraru, Alexandru Cosmin Palcău, Magdalena Miulescu, Ioana Roşca, Dragoş Predescu, Silviu Constantinoiu
Original article, no. 2, 2026
Article DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.3271
Background: High-quality and safe care in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units (AICUs) relies on continuous professional development, strict adherence to safety protocols, and a supportive organisational culture. Understanding how these factors interact is essential for improving both patient safety and staff well-being.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in November 2024 among 109 healthcare professionals working in Romanian AICUs. The questionnaire assessed access to professional training, compliance with safety procedures, communication quality, managerial support, and job satisfaction, using five-point Likert scales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Mann Whitney U tests, and Spearman s correlation coefficients.

Results: Training satisfaction was significantly associated with perceived preparedness for emergency situations (ρ=0.44, p 0.01). Adherence to safety protocols correlated positively with perceptions of a strong safety culture (ρ=0.39, p 0.01). Managerial support showed a moderate positive correlation with job satisfaction (0.48, p 0.01) and willingness to report incidents ( 0.42, p 0.01). Respondents from private hospitals reported slightly higher openness to feedback and more frequent training opportunities compared to those from public institutions.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary training, empathetic leadership, and constructive feedback mechanisms in fostering a positive safety culture and enhancing professional motivation in AICU settings.

Keywords: Intensive Care Unit, professional training, safety culture, healthcare management, protocol compliance, organisational support