Excessive workload as a risk factor for patient and medical staff safety: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Central Europe

Background Excessive workload among nurses constitutes a significant risk factor for adverse events, including medical errors, patient falls, and reduced quality of care. A growing body of evidence indicates that organizational factors play a key role in shaping the level of workload. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and March 2025 among nurses working in public hospitals in Europe ( n = 774). The study used an original questionnaire and the Subjective Workload Assessment Questionnaire (KONOP), which includes four dimensions: loss of control over work, perfectionist work style, general views on work, and perceived organizational oppressiveness. Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test, ANOVA variance analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results Excessive workload among nurses remains closely associated with organizational factors that may affect the safety of both patients and staff. Interventions aimed at improving the organizational climate, the quality of management, and work organization may be of key importance for enhancing safety in healthcare systems. Conclusion The excessive workload of nurses remains closely related to organizational factors that can affect patient and staff safety. Identifying and modifying working conditions, including work organization and organizational climate, is a key direction for actions improving safety in healthcare systems.