Análise do conhecimento de profissionais de saúde sobre eventos adversos em unidades de pronto atendimento

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency Care Units (UPA) are considered conflicting health environments, therefore prone to the occurrence of health incidents. It is considered that the mitigation of adverse events (AEs) in urgent and emergency services involves understanding, then structuring strategies in order to prevent and manage AEs. Objective: To analyze the knowledge of professionals in emergency care units about the occurrence of adverse events. Method: An observational and descriptive study was developed in April and May 2022 with doctors, nurses, technicians and nursing assistants belonging to two Emergency Care Units in the capital of Espírito Santo. An instrument developed by the authors was used. The data were analyzed and presented in simple and absolute frequencies. The association of dependent and independent variables was verified using the chi-square test. Results: The results of the investigation revealed deficiencies in the knowledge of health professionals, which compromises the provision of safe care, there is a lack of clarity in the identification and communication of adverse events, a lack of understanding about the notification process and concerns about possible disciplinary measures . Among the research findings, there is an association between having a second job and occurrences of failures in assistance. Furthermore, it was found that there was a lack of material and technological resources. The situation in which events caused by colleagues were more easily noticed was also highlighted, highlighting the tendency to recognize adversities in others, but not identify them in the provision of care itself. The UPAs belonging to the study do not have Patient Safety Centers (NSP), which makes the results valuable for these places. Conclusion: The findings encourage the need to reevaluate the processes and cultural factors regarding patient safety in UPAs, in order to guarantee qualified and safe assistance. Highlighting the importance of the presence of actions aimed at patient safety in Emergency Care Units, as well as the recognition of adverse events in conjunction with better working conditions.