The willingness and its influencing factors on patients to participate in patient safety spontaneous reports: A cross-sectional online study in China

•This study aimed to investigate public recognition of patient safety and attitude towards safety reporting, and tried to guide medical institutions on construction, management, and patient-education of the reporting system of patient safety.•This study demonstrated that the recognition of patient safety and attitude towards safety reporting had significant effects on their willingness to participate in spontaneous reports. Pertinent measures, such as education of the public and construction of the reporting system, should be adopted to promote patient safety in China.•This is a large sample survey on patient safety reporting willingness in China, which can fully reflect the public's attitude and suggestions on the issue of patients participating in patient safety voluntary reporting, and provide reference for the establishment and improvement of patient safety reporting system.