American journal of medical quality : the official journal of the American College of Medical Quality
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This study explores the effect of facility complexity on operating room (OR) caregiver perceptions of safety climate in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Facility complexity is a standardized score based on volume, risk, teaching, research, and intensive care unit capability. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire was administered at 34 VHA hospitals. ⋯ Caregivers at high-complexity facilities were significantly more likely to agree that "I know the proper channels to direct questions regarding patient safety in the ORs here" than caregivers at medium-complexity facilities. Differences in caregiver perceptions of safety climate by facility complexity are present. Awareness of these differences can help when facilities implement surgical safety procedures.