Compreensão do graduando de enfermagem sobre a segurança do paciente

Abstract

Introduction: The subject of patient safety is becoming more and more relevant in the current health scenario. Thus, the commitment to education and training of health professionals is highlighted, as students will become professionals who will provide patient care, being susceptible to errors arising from the care of the individual. Objective: To analyze the understanding of nursing students at a public university in Espírito Santo about issues related to human error and patient safety. Methods: This is an exploratory descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of undergraduate nursing students from the Nursing Department of the Health Sciences Center and the Health Sciences Department of the North of Espírito Santo University Center, both departments of UFES. Results: 138 students participated in the research, predominantly female (n=127; 92.0%) and aged between 20 and 46 years. Regarding conceptual aspects, it can be observed that 63% (87) of the students strongly disagreed or disagreed that making mistakes in the health area is inevitable. They also strongly disagreed or disagreed that competent professionals (64.5%) and committed students (71.0%) do not commit errors that harm patients. As for attitudinal aspects, most undergraduates strongly agreed or agreed (94.9%) that, in order to implement measures to prevent human errors, a systemic analysis of the facts must always be instituted. And, most strongly disagreed or disagreed (86.2%) that systems for reporting the occurrence of errors make little difference in reducing future errors. Conclusion: The study allowed us to analyze the students' perception of human error and patient safety. The results indicate that the participants lack the awareness that making mistakes is human. Therefore, there is a need to promote the inclusion of the topic and develop the effective incorporation of the patient safety culture at graduation, with the understanding that the error can generate improvement actions as long as they receive adequate treatment.