ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze health professionals’ perception about the meaning and practice of patient involvement in care safety in Primary Health Care. Methods: this is an exploratory, qualitative study, developed with 22 professionals in the Federal District, Brazil. A semi-structured interview was conducted between October and November/2018. Content analysis was carried out according to Bardin. Results: nurses, physicians, dentists, among others, participated. The following categories emerged: Meaning of patient involvement in care safety; Factors intervening in patient involvement in care safety; Strategies for patient involvement in care safety; Qualification for patient involvement in care safety. Final Considerations: the meaning of patient involvement for care safety was associated with co-responsibility and patient-centered care. Professionals’ practice revealed intervening factors and the use of involvement strategies. A gap was identified in training on patient involvement in care safety.