Patient safety: perception of family members of hospitalized children

Nurses' Experiences from Patient Safety Incidents of Hospitalized Children: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative study aimed at exploring nurses' experiences concerning patient safety incidents among hospitalized children in South Korea. From August 4 to 12, 2023, data were collected through in-depth individual interviews involving 14 clinical nurses. Employing thematic analysis, we identified 8 themes, which coalesced into three theme clusters: "challenges in pediatric patient safety nursing due to patient and caregiver characteristics," "emotional changes in nurses following patient safety incidents," and "sincere desire to prevent patient safety incidents in pediatric patients" The findings underscored that nurses experience significant burdens related to patient safety, emphasizing the necessity for robust support from caregivers, healthcare institutions, and national policies. Consequently, it is imperative to develop and implement programs and policies to foster a secure care environment for pediatric patients. Nurse managers and organizations must proactively design healthcare systems and related policies that prioritize safely protecting pediatric patients and nurses alike from patient safety incidents, considering the characteristics of pediatric patients and the experiences of the nurses caring for them.

Medication reconciliation in pediatrics: a validation of instruments to prevent medication errors

OBJECTIVES

to develop and validate the content of two instruments for promoting medication reconciliation for the transition of care of hospitalized children.

METHODS

methodological study, conducted in five stages: scope review for conceptual structure; elaboration of the initial version; content validation with five specialists using the Delphi technique; reassessment; and construction of the final version of the instruments. A content validity index of at least 0.80 was adopted.

RESULTS

three rounds of evaluation were carried out to reach the validity index of the proposed contents, whereas a new analysis of 50% of the 20 items of the instrument aimed at families, and 28.5% of the 21 items aimed at professionals was necessary. The instrument aimed at families reached an index of 0.93, and the instrument for professionals, 0.90.

CONCLUSIONS

the proposed instruments were validated. It is now possible to proceed with practical implementation studies to identify their influence on safety during medication reconciliation at transition of care.

Qualidade do cuidado e segurança do paciente: o papel dos pacientes e familiares

RESUMO Este ensaio procurou discutir o papel dos pacientes e das famílias na qualidade dos cuidados e na segurança do paciente. Tradicionalmente, o papel dos profissionais de saúde – especialmente, dos médicos – tem sido predominante na discussão e na definição do que constitui um cuidado de saúde de alta qualidade. Entretanto, outros atores foram reconhecidos no debate contemporâneo sobre a qualidade do atendimento e, em particular, sobre a segurança do paciente e a centralidade do atendimento. O papel dos pacientes na qualidade do atendimento e até mesmo o seu protagonismo na identificação dos principais problemas presentes na prestação de cuidados e em como contribuir para um atendimento mais seguro são destacados. Inicialmente, discute-se o papel dos pacientes e seus familiares na qualidade do atendimento e na segurança do paciente. Em seguida, são discutidos os fatores que influenciam e dificultam a sua participação. Finalmente, são propostas estratégias para aumentar a participação dos pacientes. Pacientes e familiares podem desempenhar um papel essencial na melhoria da qualidade dos cuidados de saúde e da segurança do paciente. Entretanto, eles devem estar ativamente envolvidos para que isso ocorra, com suas contribuições consideradas em um ambiente favorável a uma cultura de segurança justa.

Involvement of companions in patient safety in pediatric and neonatal units: scope review

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe scientific evidence on the involvement of companions in patient safety, from their own perspective and health professionals’ perspective in neonatal and pediatric units. Methods: scoping review carried out according to The Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommendations, in eight databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist, between 2011 and 2021. Results: the 13 studies included highlighted the importance of companions’ involvement in patient safety and the prevention of adverse events. However, they pointed out failures in communication and weakness in the training of professionals, which were obstacles to their involvement. The strengthening of health education, multidisciplinary rounds and educational technologies were highlighted as strategies to expand the involvement of companions. Final Considerations: this study directs elements for health professionals and managers to rethink the companions’ role in patient safety and development of collective strategies.