Patient Safety Reporting Systems in Saudi Arabian Hospitals: A Systematic Mapping Review

BACKGROUND: Patient safety reporting systems (PSRSs) play a vital role in identifying safety threats, facilitating learning from errors, and enhancing healthcare quality. In Saudi Arabia, despite national directives and a growing emphasis on accountability under Vision 2030, PSRS utilization across tertiary hospitals remains inconsistent and suboptimal. OBJECTIVE: This systematic mapping review explores the breadth of evidence regarding the effectiveness, utilization, and contextual barriers of PSRSs in Saudi Arabian tertiary care hospitals and identifies key themes and strategies for system improvement. METHODS: A Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) methodology was employed. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) were searched for empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were predefined. Studies were screened, appraised, and synthesized using a narrative thematic approach in alignment with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. PSRS effectiveness was shaped by organizational culture, provider attitudes, and system design. Cultural norms such as shame, fear of reprisal, and hierarchical constraints impeded reporting. Positive influences included anonymous reporting, leadership commitment, and well-designed interfaces. Variability in implementation and feedback mechanisms across institutions was also observed. CONCLUSION: To enhance PSRS effectiveness in Saudi tertiary hospitals, healthcare leaders must implement culturally tailored, psychologically safe reporting environments supported by strong feedback loops and digital infrastructure. These findings inform national policy and institutional strategies aimed at building a mature patient safety culture.