With rapid population aging, the number of older patients has increased yearly, accompanied by a growing demand for medical care. Considering the physiological and psychological vulnerability of older adults, existing safe care frameworks struggle to identify the unique clinical care needs of older patients from a multidimensional perspective. Although the nursing safety agenda has sought to minimize the risk of harm, there remains a need to clarify the conceptual connotations of safe care from the perspectives of all stakeholders, which requires a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to safe care.
This study identified the definition, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of safe care. Based on these characteristics, we constructed a conceptual model of safe care for older inpatients from a socio-ecological perspective. The development of safe care is a dynamic process that requires the commitment and efforts of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, as well as cultural and policy support from medical institutions. The present analysis provides a theoretical foundation for future understanding and exploration of safe care.
The work titled “The conceptualization of safe care for older inpatients: a model based on socio-ecological theory”, was published in Healthcare and Rehabilitation (published on June 18, 2026).
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcr.2026.100077