Creating a framework for the development of a nursing curriculum to enhance students' competencies in patient safety

Nurses play a vital role not only in patient care but also in health promotion, disease prevention, and supporting vulnerable patients. To effectively identify and prevent patient safety risks, nurses need appropriate education and competencies. This study aims to assess the attitudes and knowledge of nursing students in Estonia regarding patient safety, comparing them with international standards. Based on the study results, recommendations will be developed to enhance the curriculum, preparing students for implementing modern patient safety frameworks. The study is designed as a cross-sectional survey to gain an overview of Estonian nursing students' awareness and attitudes toward patient safety. The sample will be drawn using a stratified random sampling method, including 1,000 full-time nursing students from various regions in Estonia: Tallinn, Kohtla-Järve, Kuressaare, Pärnu, and Haapsalu. The sample includes both final-year students and other full-time nursing students. The central question of the study is: How do international patient safety indicators and nursing education standards influence nursing students' attitudes and knowledge regarding patient safety? This study highlights regional differences in patient safety awareness and attitudes among Estonian nursing students. The findings will help identify the need for further training and provide opportunities to improve patient safety in Estonian healthcare.