LAUSR

OBJECTIVES to analyze the perception of nursing professionals about patient safety culture in three highly complex hospital institutions. METHODS descriptive and quantitative study with professionals working in care. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire was applied, classifying its dimensions according to the percentage of positive responses (strengthened: ≥75.0%; potential for improvement: <75.0% to> 50.0%; weakened: ≤50.0%). RESULTS four hundred sixty-seven professionals (79.6%), mostly women (88.4%), nursing technicians/assistants (57.2%), 20 to 39 years (60.8%), less than five years in the institution (57.8%) and exclusive bond (79.2%) participated in the study. Safety culture was considered fragile, seven dimensions assessed as such, highlighting "Openness to communication" and "Non-punitive responses to errors" with <30.0% positive responses. CONCLUSIONS evidence of the need for discussion of the subject and strategies for change that promote quality and safety of care.