Cultura de Seguridad del Paciente en el Servicio de Emergencias Médicas: estudio transversal

Introducción: Los problemas relacionados con la seguridad del paciente en el contexto prehospitalario son poco explorados, pero esenciales, dada la vulnerabilidad a incidentes. Objetivo: analizar el clima de seguridad del paciente desde la perspectiva del equipo multidisciplinario que actúa en la Atención Prehospitalaria Móvil (APS). Materiales y Métodos: estudio transversal, realizado en una Atención Prehospitalaria Móvil. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de Seguridad actitudes Cuestionario (SAQ), con muestreo por conveniencia y tasa de participación del 94,3% de los profesionales elegibles. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva y la prueba de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Entre los 151 profesionales participantes, predominaron los del sexo masculino (54,6%), auxiliares y técnicos de enfermería (42,0%), con 10 o más años de actuación (61,0%), en la atención de adultos y pediátrica (93,4%). El SAQ Total tuvo una mediana de 70, indicando una percepción negativa de los participantes sobre la seguridad del paciente en la APH. Los dominios con percepción negativa fueron: Clima de Seguridad, Reconocimiento del Estrés, Percepción de la Gestión y Condiciones de Trabajo; mientras que los dominios Clima de Trabajo en Equipo y Satisfacción Laboral mostraron una percepción positiva. En el análisis comparativo entre profesionales, se observaron diferencias entre algunas categorías para los dominios de Satisfacción en el Trabajo, Reconocimiento del Estrés y Condiciones de Trabajo. Conclusiones: Este estudio presenta las peculiaridades de los servicios médicos de emergencia y la necesidad de sensibilizar a los profesionales y gestores sobre la seguridad del paciente, con el fin de comprender mejor el escenario actual y las posibilidades de reducción de eventos adversos para mejorar la atención ofrecida. Como citar este artículo: João, Virgilio Malundo; Dias, Bruna Moreno; Oliveira, Marília Pilotto de; Laus, Ana Maria; Bernardes, Andrea; Gabriel, Carmen Silvia.  Cultura de Segurança do Paciente no Serviço Médico de Urgência: estudo transversal. Revista Cuidarte. 2023;14(1):e2531. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.2531

[Interprofessional health education in the Region of the Americas from a nursing perspectiveEducação interprofissional em saúde na Região das Américas na perspectiva da enfermagem]

This study presents a reflective analysis of the implementation of interprofessional education in undergraduate nursing courses, considering as an example the curricula of undergraduate nursing careers in Brazil. Despite investments to advance interprofessional education, its practice is not institutionalized in the curricula of undergraduate courses. These findings represent a limitation for the implementation of interprofessional education in nursing courses, and the case of Brazil allows to learn lessons for the education of nursing professionals in other countries of the Region of the Americas. Recommendations are provided for training, management and intersectoral articulation of health and education services, with emphasis on primary health care and the Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at educational institutions wishing to implement interprofessional education.

Demand for Intensive Care beds and patient classification according to the priority criterion

OBJECTIVE

to assess the demand for Intensive Care Unit beds as well as the classification of the patients for admission, according to the priority system.

METHOD

a retrospective and cross-sectional study, developed from January2014 to December2018 in two Intensive Care Units for adults of a university hospital. The sample consisted of the requests for vacancies according to the priority system(scale from 1 to 4, where 1 is the highest priority and 4 is no priority), registered in the institution's electronic system.

RESULTS

a total of 8,483 vacancies were requested, of which 4,389(51.7%) were from unitB. The highest percentage in unitA was of Priority2 patients(32.6%); and Priority1 was prevalent in unitB(45.4%). The median lead time between request and admission to unitA presented a lower value for priority1 patients(2h57) and a higher value for priority4 patients(11h24); in unitB, priority4 patients presented shorter time(5h54) and priority3 had longer time(11h54). 40.5% of the requests made to unitA and 48.5% of those made to unitB were fulfilled, with 50.7% and 48.5% of these patients being discharged from the units, respectively.

CONCLUSION

it is concluded that the demand for intensive care beds was greater than their availability. Most of the patients assisted were priorities1 and2, although a considerable percentage of those classified as priorities3 and4 is observed.

Hand hygiene by the nursing team in home care: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

to identify whether nursing professionals carry out hand hygiene, how they do it, and what resources are available for this practice during home visits.

METHOD

cross-sectional study conducted in a public Home Care service. The World Health Organization instrument was used to observe the hand hygiene technique, the time of performance, and the product used.

RESULTS

a total of 940 hand hygiene opportunities taking place in 231 home visits were observed. Overall adherence was 14.4%, with the practice of hand hygiene being higher after contact with the patient (53.7%). Before aseptic procedures, after risk/exposure to body fluids, after contact with the patient's environment, and before contact with the patient, adherence was 0.4%. Regarding the quality of the technique, in none of the 135 practices the recommended steps were followed. As for the structure available in the households, 35 (15.2%) had accessible sinks and none had liquid soap and alcohol-based formulation.

CONCLUSION

adherence to hand hygiene by nursing professionals in home care was low, the technique was not performed, and households did not have resources for the practice.

Critical care nursing service costs: Comparison of the top-down versus bottom-up micro-costing approach in Brazil

AIM

To estimate the nursing service costs using a top-down micro-costing approach and to compare it with a bottom-up micro-costing approach.

BACKGROUND

Accurate data of nursing cost can contribute to reliable resource management.

METHOD

We employed a retrospective cohort design in an adult intensive care unit in São Paulo. A total of 286 patient records were included. Micro-costing analysis was conducted in two stages: a top-down approach, whereby nursing costs were allocated to patients through apportionment, and a bottom-up approach, considering actual nursing care hours estimated by the Nursing Activities Score (NAS).

RESULTS

The total mean cost by the top-down approach was US$1,640.4 ± 1,484.2/patient. The bottom-up approach based on a total mean NAS of 833 ± 776 points (equivalent to 200 ± 86 hr of nursing care) yielded a mean cost of US$1,487.2 ± 1,385.7/patient. In the 268 patients for whom the top-down approach estimated higher costs than the bottom-up approach, the total cost discrepancy was US$4,427.3, while for those costed higher based on NAS, the total discrepancy was US$436.9. The top-down methodology overestimated costs for patients requiring lower intensity of care, while it underestimated costs for patients requiring higher intensity of care (NAS >100).

CONCLUSIONS

The top-down approach may yield higher estimated ICU costs compared with a NAS-based bottom-up approach.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

These findings can contribute to an evidence-based approach to budgeting through reliable costing methods based on actual nursing workload, and to efficient resource allocation and cost management.

Impact of replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves on hand-hygiene compliance among healthcare workers of an intensive care unit: a quasi-experimental study

Background/objective

After wearing powdered gloves, healthcare workers (HCW) are supposed to wash their hands instead of using alcohol-based hand-rub (ABHR). Washing hands takes longer than using ABHR, and the use of powdered gloves may be an obstacle to hand-hygiene compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves on hand-hygiene compliance among HCW of an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a general ICU of a tertiary care university hospital in Brazil. From June 1st to July 15th, 2017, all HCW were provided with powdered latex gloves only for all clinical procedures. From July 15th to August 31st, 2017, HCW were provided with nitrile powder-free gloves only. Hand-hygiene compliance was assessed through direct observation, and evaluated according to the World Health Organization Hand Hygiene guidelines. We calculated that a sample size of 544 hand hygiene opportunities needed to be observed per period. Data analysis were performed using the STATA SE® version 14, and we compared the individual’s percentage of compliance using the t test for paired data before and after the intervention.

Results

Overall, 40 HCW were assessed before and after the introduction of nitrile powder-free gloves, with 1114 and 1139 observations of hand hygiene opportunities, respectively. The proportion of compliance with hand hygiene was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51–59%) using powdered latex gloves and 60% (95% CI 57–63%) using powder-free gloves. The difference in proportions between the two types of gloves was 5.1% (95% CI 2.5–7.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves positively influenced hand-hygiene compliance by HCW in an ICU setting.

Private health insurance coverage-related lawsuits

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze lawsuits brought by beneficiaries of health insurance operators. Methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in a large-capacity private health insurance operator using data collected by the company from 2012 to 2015. Results: ninety-six lawsuits were brought by 86 beneficiaries regarding medical procedures (38.5%), treatments (26.1%), examinations (14.6%), medications (9.4%), home care (6.2%), and other types of hospitalization (5.2%). The procedures with the highest number of lawsuits were percutaneous rhizotomy; chemotherapy; treatment-related positron-emission tomography scans; and for medications relative to antineoplastic and Hepatitis C treatment. Conclusions: the lawsuits were filed because of the operators’ refusal to comply with items not established in contracts or not regulated and authorized by the Brazilian National Regulatory Agency for Private Health Insurance and Plans, refusals considered unfounded.

Level of satisfaction of users of a teaching hospital: the influence of the presence of students

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the level of satisfaction of inpatients in a teaching hospital regarding the quality of the hospital service by comparing term and non-term times.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study carried out in three inpatient units with users from 18 to 80 years old who stayed in the hospital for at least 72 hours. An instrument for sociodemographic characterization and the SERVQUAL scale were applied to measure the level of satisfaction. Data collection occurred in two periods: term and non-term times.

RESULTS

Three hundred and five users of the service of both genders, with an average age of 46.2 years, were interviewed. Concerning the dimensions that make up the SERVQUAL scale, empathy was mentioned as the one with which the users attended to during term time expressed the greatest dissatisfaction (p=0.01). Regarding the service dimension, the level of satisfaction of the users was higher during term time (p=0.01). Tangibles, reliability, and assurance did not show differences when comparing the two examined periods.

CONCLUSION

The users identified higher empathy and better service during term time, but similar perceptions were not reported for assurance and reliability.

AVALIAÇÃO DOS PADRÕES DE QUALIDADE DA ASSISTÊNCIA DE ENFERMAGEM COM INDICADORES DE PROCESSO

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade da assistência de enfermagem de uma instituição hospitalar por meiode indicadores de qualidade.Método: estudo observacional, transversal, prospectivo, realizado nas Unidades de Clínica Médicae Cirúrgica de um hospital filantrópico em Minas Gerais, durante quatorze dias consecutivos em2017, utilizando o instrumento de Registro de Busca Ativa, desenvolvido e validado por Vituri.Resultado: foram avaliados 185 pacientes adultos, totalizando 650 observações. O panorama dosindicadores de ambas as clínicas demonstrou que, dos 14 indicadores, sete (50%) foram classificadoscomo “insuficientes” em ambas as clínicas.Conclusão: processos avaliativos sistemáticos possibilitam conhecer o desempenho técnico erelacional dos profissionais bem como os conhecimentos e habilidades para as práticas assistenciais.A adoção de indicadores assistenciais pode auxiliar o processo de gestão e gerenciamento doserviço de enfermagem.

Urgent need for standardised guidelines for reporting healthcare costs in ICUs - Results of an integrative review of costing methodologies

OBJECTIVES

Diverse costing methodologies in critical care have produced discrepant results. We aimed to critically review studies addressing critical care patients' costs, to estimate total costs and cost categories and to delineate methodologies used and relevant limitations.

METHODS

Integrative review based on key-word searches of electronic databases targeting primary studies that report estimates of patient cost, in the last 21 years. We assessed the level transparency of reporting and the quality of the studies, by the SIGN tool.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 research articles were included, of which eight studies mentioned the specific approach used to identify the elements of cost. Most studies employed a micro-costing and one study a macro-costing approach. With regard to approaches to valuation of cost components, only one study identified the bottom-up approach. The total patient cost ranged from US$ 487 to US$ 39,300 and human resources was identified as the cost category mostly driving total costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although valid methodologies to evaluate critical care patients' costs, such as micro-costing, are employed more frequently, a variety of non-standardized methods are still used. There is a pressing need to develop standardised guidelines for reporting of observational studies of cost in healthcare, with particular considerations for critical care.

Glycerol content within the WHO ethanol-based handrub formulation: balancing tolerability with antimicrobial efficacy

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) ethanol-based handrub (EBHR) formulation contains 1.45% glycerol as an emollient to protect healthcare workers’ (HCWs) skin against dryness and dermatitis. However, glycerol seems to negatively affect the antimicrobial efficacy of alcohols. In addition, the minimal concentration of glycerol required to protect hands remain unknown. We aim to evaluate the tolerance of HCWs to the WHO EBHR formulation using different concentrations of glycerol in a tropical climate healthcare setting.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomized, double-blind, crossover study among 40 HCWs from an intensive care unit of a tertiary-care hospital in Brazil, from June 1st to September 30, 2017. We tested the WHO EBHR original formulation containing 1.45% glycerol against three other concentrations (0, 0.5, and 0.75%). HCWs used one formulation at a time for seven working days during their routine practice and then had their hands evaluated by an external observer using the WHO scale for visual inspection. Participants also used a WHO self-evaluation tool to rate their own skin condition. We used a generalized estimating equations of the logit type to compare differences between the tolerability to different formulations.

Results

According to the independent observation, participants had 2.4 times (95%CI: 1.12–5.15) more chance of having a skin condition considered good when they used the 0.5% compared to the 1.45% glycerol formulation. For the self-evaluation scale, participants were likely to have a worst evaluation (OR: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.11–0.49) when they used the preparation without glycerol compared to the WHO standard formulation (1.45%), and there were no differences between the other formulations used.

Conclusion

In a tropical climate setting, the WHO-modified EBHR formulation containing 0.5% glycerol led to better ratings of skin tolerance than the original formulation, and, therefore, may offer the best balance between skin tolerance and antimicrobial efficacy.

Resting Energy Expenditure and Oxygen Consumption in Critically Ill Patients With vs Without Sepsis

BACKGROUND

Septic shock is one of the main causes of mortality in intensive care units worldwide. Nutritional support can affect the survival of patients with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, and oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production (measured by indirect calorimetry) differ between critically ill patients with vs without sepsis.

METHODS

A total of 205 patients receiving mechanical ventilation were evaluated consecutively within the first 48 hours of admission. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including age, body mass index, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory quotient, and resting energy expenditure, with the clinical data measured or estimated via indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Of the 205 patients, 114 (56%) had no sepsis and 91 (44%) had sepsis. The median values of the studied variables in the no sepsis and sepsis groups, respectively, were as follows: age, 53 vs 58 years (P = .07); body mass index, 25 vs 26 (P = .14); Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 24 vs 25 (P = .04); death risk, 47% vs 63% (P = .04); oxygen consumption, 211 vs 202 mL/min (P = .72); and resting energy expenditure, 1434 vs 1430 kcal/d (P = .73). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves showed no significant differences between patients with and without sepsis for any of the indirect calorimetry variables.

CONCLUSION

In clinical practice, patients with sepsis do not seem to require an increased energy supply. Additional studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Long-term prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections among critically ill patients through the implementation of an educational program and a daily checklist for maintenance of indwelling urinary catheters: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Removing an indwelling urinary catheter as soon as possible is the cornerstone of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) prevention. However, implementing this measure may be challenging in clinical settings. To evaluate the impact of implementing a healthcare workers (HCWs) educational program and a daily checklist for indwelling urinary catheter indications among critical patients on the incidence of CAUTI.

METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study performed in a general intensive care unit of a tertiary-care hospital over a 12 years period, from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2016. Rates of urinary catheter use and incidence density of CAUTI were monthly evaluated following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria throughout the study period. Phase I (2005-2006) was the pre-intervention period. In phase II (2007-2010), HCWs routine training on CAUTI prevention was performed twice-a-year. In phase III (2011-2014), we implemented a daily checklist for indwelling urinary catheter indications, in addition to the biannual training. In phase IV, (2015-2016) the biannual training was replaced by training only newly hired HCWs and the daily checklist was maintained.

RESULTS

The mean rate of urinary catheter utilization decreased from phase I to phase IV (73.1%, 74.1%, 54.9%, and 45.6%, respectively). Similarly, the incidence density of CAUTI decreased from phase I to phase IV (14.9, 7.3, 3.8, and 1.1 per 1000 catheter-days, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

HCWs education and daily evaluation of indwelling urinary catheter indications were highly effective in reducing the rates of catheter utilization as well as the incidence density of CAUTI.

Bacteremia by Leuconostoc mesenteroides in an immunocompetent patient with chronic Chagas disease: a case report

BACKGROUND

The Leuconostoc mesenteroides are members of the Streptococcae family and currently has been recognized as potential pathogens. This case describes a bacteremia caused by L. mesenteroides in an immunocompetent patient affected by Chagas disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old female patient with chagasic megaesophagus and megacolon was submitted to a Heller myotomy for achalasia in 2000 and endoscopic dilatation in 2015. Patient was admitted to the Nutrology Ward in May 2016 with protein-calorie malnutrition associated with achalasia and receiving enteral nutrition. In July 2016, the patient underwent a Serra-Doria surgery. In the third postoperative day she presented an important abdominal distension. She was submitted to a new surgical intervention, and then a terminal ileum perforation was detected, leading the surgeon to perform an enterectomy with side-to-side anastomosis. The next day after the surgery (4th postoperative day) the patient presented a decreased level of consciousness (Glasgow coma scale = 8), hypotension and hypoxemia. In two samples of blood cultures there was growth of Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Susceptibility pattern was evaluated by the diffusion disk method. The microorganism was susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and fluoroquinolones, but resistant to rifampin, tetracycline, vancomycin and teicoplanin.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that infections caused by L. mesenteroides is serious and should be considered not only in settings of immunosuppression and prolonged antimicrobial use, but also in immunocompetent patients undergoing surgeries involving the gastrointestinal tract.

CARGA DE TRABALHO DE ENFERMAGEM E A MORTALIDADE DOS PACIENTES EM UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se a carga de trabalho de enfermagem é em preditor de mortalidade em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Método: estudo documental, retrospectivo, corte transversal, desenvolvido na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital universitário terciário. Utilizou-se a curva Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve composta pelo Nursing Activities Score e índice de gravidade APACHE e regressão logística para análise da predição de mortalidade. Resultados: compuseram a amostra 324 pacientes, sendo 214 (66%) sobreviventes. A média Nursing Activities Score das primeiras 24 horas de internação foi de 79,3 pontos, variando de 34,8 a 134,2 pontos e o APACHE II mediano foi 24,5 (2-42). Na análise da curva Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve o Nursing Activities Score evidenciou uma área sobre a curva de 0,626; IC 0,570 a 0,678 e o APACHE II de 0,721 com intervalo de confiança IC 95% de 0,669 a 0,769. Conclusão: a carga de trabalho de enfermagem não foi um preditor de mortalidade em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, pois os pacientes que demandam a maior carga de trabalho de enfermagem não necessariamente são aqueles que evoluem para óbito.

Care and management actions developed in the Supervised Curricular Internship: perceptions by involved actors

OBJECTIVE

To assess the Supervised Curricular Internship of the Nursing undergraduate course of two higher education institutions in the state of São Paulo based on specific skills described in the Brazilian National Curriculum Guidelines regarding preparation to the development of nursing care and management actions from the perceptions of professors, undergraduate students, and alumni.

METHOD

Descriptive study in which a questionnaire was applied to 59 undergraduate students, 111 alumni, and 27 professors of a Nursing undergraduate course involved in the Supervised Curricular Internship in the analyzed institutions.

RESULTS

The perceptions of the actors involved in the development of management and care actions were positive, although part of the alumni pointed out that the Supervised Curricular Internship does not allow the students to: develop all the activities performed by the nursing team; work towards comprehensive health care; professional technical confidence; and interfere with the work dynamics.

CONCLUSION

In the perception of those involved, the Supervised Curricular Internship is seen as positive and important in the training of students, as it introduces students into the professional reality of nurses. However, this discipline still needs structural changes, particularly in the perception of the alumni.

APACHE II Death Risk and Length of Stay in the ICU Are Associated With Pressure Injury in Critically Ill Patients

Background

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with pressure injury (PI) occurrence in critically ill patients. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a mixed intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to identify which variables are associated with PI.

Results

Twenty-one (15%) of 142 patients developed PI. The median and the range of the variables in the groups without and with PI were as follows: Braden scale risk score, 13 (8 - 20) and 10 (8 - 14) points, respectively; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) death risk, 39% (2 - 97%) and 75% (26 - 96%), respectively; and length of stay in the ICU, 4 (2 - 36) and 16 (5 - 29) days, respectively. The socio-demographic variables included in the logistic regression were age (P = 0.09), Braden scale risk score (P = 0.0003), APACHE II death risk (P < 0.0001), length of stay in the ICU (P < 0.0001) and reason for ICU admission (P = 0.09). Only APACHE II death risk and length of stay in the ICU presented significant differences; the odds ratios were 1.05 and 1.25, respectively, and the 95% confidence intervals were 1.01 - 1.09 and 1.12 - 1.39, respectively.

Conclusion

APACHE II death risk and length of stay in the ICU are probably associated with PI occurrence in the study population.

MEDICAMENTOS POTENCIALMENTE PERIGOSOS: IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE RISCOS E BARREIRAS DE PREVENÇÃO DE ERROS EM TERAPIA INTENSIVA

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar o conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem e farmacêuticos em relação à identificação de medicamentos potencialmente perigosos, bem como verificar o reconhecimento das barreiras de prevenção de erros nas instituições hospitalares. Método: estudo transversal, tipo inquérito, realizado em unidades de terapia intensiva de quatro hospitais. Um questionário construído e validado com base nas informações disponibilizadas pelo Instituto para Práticas Seguras no Uso de Medicamentos foi utilizado para coleta de dados. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versão 22.0 e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis para investigar diferença dos resultados entre as categorias profissionais. Adotou-se o nível significância de 0,05. Resultados: foram incluídos 126 profissionais, entre os elegíveis para participação. Dentre os 33 medicamentos potencialmente perigosos indicados no instrumento, nenhum foi identificado como tal pela totalidade de respondentes, embora 17 fossem utilizados por mais de 95% dos entrevistados. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante nas respostas das diferentes categorias profissionais quanto à identificação desses medicamentos. Em relação às medidas de prevenção de erros, os enfermeiros constituíram a categoria profissional que distinguiu em maior número a existência de barreiras. Conclusão: este estudo apontou importantes lacunas no reconhecimento dos medicamentos potencialmente perigosos e adoção incipiente de barreiras para prevenção de incidentes, caracterizando situações de fragilidade nos hospitais por implicar na ruptura inicial das barreiras, especialmente quando os profissionais de saúde estão inseridos em um ambiente de alta complexidade.

Effect of nursing care hours on the outcomes of Intensive Care assistance

OBJECTIVES

To correlate the average number of nursing care hours dedicated to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with nursing care indicators.

METHOD

Transverse, descriptive study conducted between 2011 and 2013. Data were obtained from the electronic records system and from the nursing staff daily schedule. Generalized Linear Models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1,717 patients were included in the study. The average NAS (Nursing Activities Score) value was 54.87. The average ratio between the number of nursing care hours provided to the patient and the number of nursing care hours required by the patient (hours ratio) was 0.87. Analysis of the correlation between nursing care indicators and the hours ratio showed that the indicators phlebitis and ventilator-associated pneumonia significantly correlated with hours ratio; that is, the higher the hours ratio, the lower the incidence of phlebitis and ventilator-associated pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

The number of nursing care hours directly impacts patient outcomes, which makes adjustment of nurse staffing levels essential.

Evaluation of Nosocomial Infection Control Programs in health services

OBJECTIVES:

to evaluate the Nosocomial Infection Control Programs in hospital institutions regarding structure and process indicators.

METHOD:

this is a descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study conducted in 2013. The study population comprised 13 Nosocomial Infection Control Programs of health services in a Brazilian city of the state of São Paulo. Public domain instruments available in the Manual of Evaluation Indicators of Nosocomial Infection Control Practices were used.

RESULTS:

The indicators with the highest average compliance were "Evaluation of the Structure of the Nosocomial Infection Control Programs" (75%) and "Evaluation of the Epidemiological Surveillance System of Nosocomial Infection" (82%) and those with the lowest mean compliance scores were "Evaluation of Operational Guidelines" (58.97%) and "Evaluation of Activities of Control and Prevention of Nosocomial Infection" (60.29%).

CONCLUSION:

The use of indicators identified that, despite having produced knowledge about prevention and control of nosocomial infections, there is still a large gap between the practice and the recommendations.

Financial impact of nursing professionals staff required in an Intensive Care Unit

Objective

to calculate the cost of the average time of nursing care spent and required by patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the financial expense for the right dimension of staff of nursing professionals.

Method

a descriptive, quantitative research, using the case study method, developed in adult ICU patients. We used the workload index - Nursing Activities Score; the average care time spent and required and the amount of professionals required were calculated using equations and from these data, and from the salary composition of professionals and contractual monthly time values, calculated the cost of direct labor of nursing.

Results

the monthly cost of the average quantity of available professionals was US$ 35,763.12, corresponding to 29.6 professionals, and the required staff for 24 hours of care is 42.2 nurses, with a monthly cost of US$ 50,995.44.

Conclusion

the numerical gap of nursing professionals was 30% and the monthly financial expense for adaptation of the structure is US$ 15,232.32, which corresponds to an increase of 42.59% in the amounts currently paid by the institution.

[Time standards of nursing in Primary Health Care: an observational study]

OBJECTIVE

To determine time standards for interventions and activities conducted by nursing professionals in Family Health Units (FHU) in Brazil to substantiate the calculation of work force.

METHOD

This was an observational study carried out in 27 FHU, in 12 municipalities in 10 states, in 2013. In each unit, nursing professionals were observed every 10 minutes, for eight work hours, on five consecutive days via the work sampling technique.

RESULTS

A total of 32,613 observations were made, involving 47 nurses and 93 nursing technicians/assistants. Appointments were the main intervention carried out by nurses, with a mean time of 25.3 minutes, followed by record-keeping, which corresponded to 9.7%. On average, nursing technicians/assistants spent 6.3% of their time keeping records and 30.6 intervention minutes on immunization/vaccination control.

CONCLUSION

The study resulted in standard times of interventions carried out by the FHU nursing team, which can underpin the determination of nursing staff size and human resource policies. Furthermore, the study showed the panorama of interventions currently employed, allowing for the work process to be reviewed and optimized.

Application of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method to predict nursing human resources at a Family Health Service

Objective

verify the application of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method in the prediction of nursing human resources at a Family Health service.

Method

descriptive and quantitative study, undertaken at a Family Health service in the city of São Paulo. The set of sequential operations recommended in the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method was used: definition of the professional category, type of health service and calculation of Available Work Time; definition of workload components; identification of mean time for workload components; dimensioning of staff needs based on the method, application and interpretation of the data.

Result

the workload proposed in the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method to nursing technicians/auxiliary nurses was balanced with the number of professionals available at the Family Health service. The Workload Indicators of Staffing Need index amounted to 0.6 for nurses and 1.0 for nursing technicians/auxiliary nurses.

Conclusion

the application of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method was relevant to identify the components of the nursing professionals' workload. Therefore, it is recommendable as a nursing staffing tool at Family Health services, contributing to the access and universal health coverage.

The Impact of Implementation of Bundle to Reduce Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Rates

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate how control bundles reduce the rate of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CVC-BSIs) rates in critically ill patients.

Methods

This is a prospective before-and-after study designed to evaluate whether a set of control measures (bundle) can help prevent CVC-BSI. The bundles included a checklist that aimed to correct practices related to CVC insertion, manipulation, and maintenance based on guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Results

We examined 123 checklists before and 155 checklists after implementation of the training program. Compared with the pre-intervention period, CVC-BSI rates decreased. Hand hygiene techniques were used correctly. CVC-BSI incidence was 9.3 and 5.1 per 1,000 catheter-days before and after the training program, respectively.

Conclusions

The implementation of a bundle and training program effectively reduces CVC-BSI rates.

O trabalho da enfermagem no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca: uma revisão integrativa

Este estudo teve o objetivo de identificar, por meio de produções científicas nacionais e internacionais, os cuidados desenvolvidos pela equipe de enfermagem durante a assistência ao paciente no pósoperatório de cirurgia cardíaca. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada por meio de busca às bases PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, SCOPUS e BDENF no período de fevereiro a junho de 2014, com o seguinte questionamento: “Quais os cuidados realizados pela equipe de enfermagem ao paciente no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca?” Utilizou-se como critério de inclusão artigos científicos publicados nos últimos cinco anos, em português, inglês e espanhol, disponíveis na íntegra. Foram selecionados 21 artigos e, mediante a sua leitura criteriosa, foi realizada análise descritiva, possibilitando o agrupamento dos dados em um núcleo temático: cuidando do paciente no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca, que apontou subcategorias: assistindo o paciente após cirurgia cardíaca, gerenciando a dor e a comunicação como ferramenta no cuidado de enfermagem. Os cuidados desenvolvidos no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca demonstram a necessidade de organização do processo de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem bem como competências específicas dos profissionais para atuarem nesse cenário, com intuito de promover um cuidado individualizado e qualificado.

Atividades do enfermeiro de Centro de Material e Esterilização em instituições hospitalares

Estudo descritivo e transversal que objetiva identificar as atividades dos enfermeiros de Centro de Material e Esterilização de instituições hospitalares, segundo o perfil de atividades e frequência de realização. A seleção dos sujeitos realizou-se pela técnica em cadeia de referência ou "bola de neve". Os dados foram coletados com a ferramenta Google Docs Offline®, com questionário autoaplicado contendo a caracterização profissional e as atividades específicas dos enfermeiros de Centro de Material e Esterilização. Os resultados evidenciam, em relação ao perfil dos respondentes, faixa etária entre 21 e 30 anos e com especialização na área de Centro de Material e Esterilização (33,4%). Das 25 atividades relacionadas, 15 atividades apresentam frequência de realização diária, nove atividades, realização mensal e 14 atividades aparecem como nunca sendo realizadas. Evidencia-se a necessidade de incorporar novas questões sobre o futuro do trabalho no Centro de Material e Esterilização, sugerindo o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas na área.

Dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem nos serviços hospitalares: revisão integrativa da literatura

doi: 10.5216/ree.v15i2.18559 - http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v15i2.18559 RESUMO Revisão Integrativa com o objetivo de identificar a metodologia, parâmetros e/ou instrumentos utilizados na prática para DPE nos serviços de saúde hospitalares, bem como identificar se o quantitativo destes profissionais está adequado à demanda de cuidados exigida pelos pacientes. Foram selecionados 27 artigos que atenderam os critérios de inclusão da base de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde com o descritor: downsizing organizacional e a palavra-chave dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem nos anos de 2000 a 2012. Os estudos evidenciaram que o enfermeiro conhece os métodos de dimensionamento de pessoal, porém nem sempre os utilizam adequadamente; que os parâmetros e instrumentos existentes são apropriados para realizar tal dimensionamento; que existe uma diversidade no nível de complexidade dos pacientes e muitos campos de trabalho apresentaram escassez de pessoal. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de uso sistemático de instrumentos para o dimensionamento. Descritores: Downsizing Organizacional; Enfermagem; Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem no Hospital.

Comparação entre as intervenções de enfermagem realizadas e os registros em sistema informatizado para atenção básica

OBJETIVO: Comparar as intervenções realizadas pela equipe de enfermagem em uma Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde com as intervenções registradas em sistema de informação. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, exploratório realizado em duas etapas em uma Unidade de Saúde considerada de boas práticas de enfermagem. Etapa 1: observação direta, não participativa e estruturada durante cinco dias. Etapa 2: aplicação da técnica de mapeamento cruzado nas atividades registradas no sistema informatizado, adequando-as em linguagem padronizada de intervenções de enfermagem. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se que 23,5% e 27,2% das intervenções realizadas pela equipe de enfermagem e enfermeiros foram registradas no sistema informatizado. CONCLUSÃO: O sistema informatizado apresenta campos insuficientes para relatar o trabalho realizado pela equipe de enfermagem em Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Mobilizando competências para o gerenciamento do cuidado de enfermagem

O trabalho multiprofissional apresenta-se como um desafio nas instituições de saúde. Pressupõe uma dinâmica em bases coletivas sem, contudo, perder a singularidade de saberes e profissões. Requer uma perspectiva ampliada de atuação para além dos aspectos técnico-assistenciais e gerenciais, na lógica de inserção em um sistema de saúde que tem como um dos princípios filosóficos a integralidade da atenção. Por sua vez, a integralidade da atenção pressupõe a constituição de redes de serviços que viabilizem o cuidado integral em unidades de saúde com recursos de diferentes densidades tecnológicas, contemplando ações de promoção, prevenção, recuperação e reabilitação da saúde e visando atender ao ser humano em suas dimensões biopsicossociais. As características peculiares relacionadas à integralidade e à gerência do cuidado constituem-se em importantes inquietações a serem respondidas pela enfermagem. Historicamente cuidar e gerenciar podem ser consideradas as principais dimensões do trabalho do enfermeiro, porém configuram-se em processos pouco articulados. Na atualidade, vivenciamos um paradigma emergente, que se refere ao gerenciamento focado no cuidado de enfermagem, em uma ótica que articule gerência e assistência, tendo como centralidade o usuário do serviço de saúde e o cuidado em uma abordagem que extrapole o tecnicismo em direção à integralidade da atenção. Tal situação requer dos enfermeiros conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes para a compreensão do processo saúde-doença em uma dimensão ampliada, que favoreça o cuidado resolutivo. Faz-se necessária a mobilização de competências para além do âmbito clinico que possibilite o enfermeiro assumir o papel de gerenciar o cuidado. Essa atuação deve considerar a relevância da dimensão biológica sem, contudo, reduzir o usuário a esta, ou seja, considerar uma abordagem que privilegie a integralidade da atenção e incorpore ao cuidado as dimensões psico-emocional-social e espiritual. Considerando o atual contexto, o enfermeiro utiliza-se de dispositivos tecno-assistenciais-organizacionais tais como o acolhimento com classificação de risco e a avaliação do grau de dependência que, a partir de diferentes abordagens, proporcionam o conhecimento da demanda de cuidados, possibilitam mudanças no planejamento e execução da atenção à saúde, favorecem o acesso, a humanização, o aperfeiçoamento do trabalho em equipe, a responsabilização e o vínculo. A utilização desses dispositivos tecno-assistenciais-organizacionais implica em investimento individual e coletivo dos enfermeiros para assegurar uma prática diferenciada a partir de uma base sólida de conhecimentos que se converta em ações assistenciais e gerenciais. Também traz novas possibilidades para o trabalho do enfermeiro, na perspectiva de assumir papel de destaque na equipe de saúde, na participação dos processos decisórios e na alocação de recursos humanos, materiais e tecnológicos. Nesse sentido, entendemos que o desenvolvimento de pesquisas pode incrementar o conhecimento sobre gerenciamento do cuidado, para atender novas demandas da sociedade, com vistas a impactar as práticas de saúde e enfermagem e a consolidar o SUS, bem como sinalizar novos horizontes, particularmente nos aspectos de atenção básica e de alta complexidade, duas dimensões das redes de atenção à saúde responsáveis por um grande contingente populacional e que emprega expressivo número de enfermeiros.

The setting of research production by nursing and management graduate programs in Brazil

This documental, descriptive study was performed using a quantitative approach with the objective to characterize the production by nursing graduates in Brazil in the 2007-2009 triennium, with emphasis on nursing management. Data was collected from the CAPES database, which allows access to the abstracts of theses and dissertations. The material was analyzed and categorized according to areas/fields and the respective lines of research, as defined in Nursing. The overall production analysis was descriptive and analytical in the field of organization, namely management. The results showed that, compared to previous studies, production underwent some changes in the triennium, with an increase in the area of health care, maintenance in the organizational area, and decrease in the professional area. Regarding the management theme, most studies addressed health assessment, the conceptions/perceptions regarding planning/organizing work-services and permanent education.

Evaluation of prevention and control measures for ventilator-associated pneumonia

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of health care delivered in an Intensive Care Unit, concerning the use of pneumonia prevention and control measures in high-risk patients on mechanical ventilation. In this descriptive and exploratory research, 839 observations of patients under invasive ventilation care were carried out, between November 2009 and January 2010, using the Indicator of Evaluation of Adherence to Prevention and Control Measures in High-risk Patients (IRPR). Some isolated measures that compose the mentioned indicator reached rates close to 100%, but the general compliance rate with all prevention and control measures of ventilator-associated pneumonia was 26.94%. It is concluded that, although the evaluated practices are accomplished at the unit, systematic evaluations of the interventions is needed so as to permit the discussion and practice of other educational strategies by the health team.

[Characterization of patients in psychiatric hospitalization units according to the degree of dependence on nursing care]

The objective of this study was to characterize the degree of dependence in relation to nursing care of patients hospitalized in a Psychiatric Unit of a teaching hospital, using the Instrument to Classify the Level of Dependence in Psychiatric Nursing. In total, 11.07 patients/day were classified in the Psychiatric Ward (EPQU) and 7.76 patients/day in the brief intervention Psychiatric Ward (EPIB). The average rate of bed occupancy in these units was 79.1% and 86.3%, respectively. Most patients were female (55.8%) and aged between 20 and 30 years (34.8%). The modest degree of nursing care prevailed both at EPQU (62.7%) and at EPIB (61.8%). The research permitted knowing this clientele's demands of nursing care and provided elements that showed the need of new studies regarding the composition of the nursing staff at this unit.

Inter-unit Doctoral Program in Nursing of the University of São Paulo: characterization of graduates and theses defended in a decade

This descriptive study aimed to characterize the graduates of the Inter-unit Doctoral Program in Nursing of the School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo, who defended their theses in the period 1998-2008, in relation to the location they developed their Masters and their pre and post-doctoral employment, also to investigate the theses defended in relation to the thematic areas and methodological approaches used. Data were collected from the Fenix-USP System and the Lattes Curriculum System. Of the 190 graduates, 178 had curricula available online. Of those, 58.4% performed teaching and research activities when they entered the doctoral program, which were activities mainly developed at Federal Universities (34.8%). This predominance was maintained after the conclusion of the doctoral studies. The thematic areas most studied were Women's Health (20.5%) and Adults/Elderly Health (13.2%). Regarding the methodological approach, 68.4% used qualitative methods. The data evidenced the contributions of this Program to research.

[Characterization of the care profile of adult patients of an emergency medical service]

It was developed an exploratory study, having as a method the study of case which aimed to characterize the profile of adult patients admitted at the emergency medical service in a general public hospital in São Paulo as subsidy for the nursing personal downsizing. Subjects were the patients admitted during the period of thirty days. Data was obtained through application of a patient classification instrument by Fugulin. This study showed patients in the category of intensive care, semi-intensive, high dependence, intermediate and minimal and occupation rate above official prediction making physical space inappropriate to the patients and professionals, reflex of the lack of control service.

Da produção à utilização de resultados de pesquisa na prática assistencial: uma experiência em consolidação

Embora desejável, nem sempre os profissionais estão preparados para consumir resultados de pesquisa. Este artigo busca apresentar o processo de desenvolvimento e implantação de inovações, baseado no modelo de Rogers, por meio de estratégias para preparar o enfermeiro para utilizar as melhores evidências para uma prática clínica de qualidade. Trata-se de uma parceria entre uma instituição de ensino e uma de assistência hospitalar. A partir da identificação de problemas oriundos das áreas de atuação dos enfermeiros da instituição de saúde, foram desenvolvidos projetos de pesquisas para a busca de evidências e testes de intervenções. Os resultados dessa experiência evidenciaram a viabilidade do uso do modelo apresentado como referencial metodológico, contribuindo para alcance das metas da instituição.

Estresse ocupacional entre profissionais de enfermagem do bloco cirúrgico

Estudo descritivo e correlacional, de corte transversal cujos objetivos foram avaliar a presença de estresse ocupacional entre os profissionais de enfermagem do bloco cirúrgico e possíveis associações entre o estresse ocupacional e as características profissionais. O modelo Demanda-Controle de Karasek foi utilizado para essa avaliação. A amostra foi constituída por 211 trabalhadores de enfermagem de 11 hospitais da cidade de Londrina-PR, os quais responderam a Job Stress Scale. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de abril a novembro de 2007. A maioria dos participantes era de auxiliares de enfermagem (62,6%), do sexo feminino (86,7%), casados (54,0%), com idade média de 40 anos e com exposição intermediária ao estresse ocupacional (56,1%). As dimensões Demanda, Controle e Apoio Social obtiveram média de 14,8 (DP=2,4), 16,5 (DP=2,3) e 18,7 (DP=2,8), respectivamente. Demanda obteve associação estatisticamente significante com a categoria profissional (p=0,01), enquanto Controle apresentou-se estatisticamente significante com o tipo de instituição, categoria profissional e carga horária semanal (p<0,05).

Produção de internações no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, USP, 1996-2003

A produção de internações hospitalares representa importante parcela da atenção à saúde tanto pela complexidade de ações quanto pelo volume financeiro empregado. Esta investigação, de cunho descritivo-exploratório, teve como objetivo identificar e descrever a produção física e financeira de internações hospitalares realizadas em um hospital-escola do interior paulista, no período 1996-2003, nas especialidades de clínica cirúrgica, clínica médica, pediatria e obstetrícia. Os dados foram coletados a partir de consulta a banco de dados oficiais da instituição estudada. No período, houve redução global de 8,5% na freqüência de internações e crescimento de 78,4%, nos recursos financeiros percebidos. A clínica cirúrgica, com procedimentos de maior remuneração, apresentou incremento nas internações; na obstetrícia houve menor variação na produção. A crescente incorporação tecnológica, demanda de usuários da região, migração de usuários do sistema de saúde suplementar para o SUS, podem justificar a variação de produção nas diferentes especialidades.

[Absenteeism of nursing workers in a school hospital]

Absenteeism in the nursing team worries the institutions' managers, because they reflect on the human resources quantitative aspects, interfering in the quality of healthcare provided to the clientele. This descriptive, retrospective study identified the percentage and the types of expected and non-expected absences of nursing workers in a school hospital, between April, 2001 and March, 2002. Data were collected by consultating the schedules and the monthly attendance reports in the Human Resources Center. Expected absences reached 40% for weekly days off, 3.9% for holidays and 9% for vacations. The percentage of non-expected absences for the nursing category varied from 0 to 46.3%, predominantly due to maternity leaves and occupational accidents. For nursing technicians and auxiliaries, percentages varied from 0.5% to 11.6%. In this case, the absences were due to sick and medical leaves approved by the National Institute of Social Security.

Relations between nursing data collection, diagnoses and prescriptions for adult patients at an intensive care unit

This descriptive, retrospective study aimed to analyze the relation between nursing data collection, diagnoses and prescriptions for 26 adult patients who were hospitalized at the intense care unit of a large teaching hospital for at least 24 hours. Through the analysis of medical records, 135 diagnoses and 421 nursing prescriptions were established, and 24 different diagnosis categories and 20 different items for prescriptions were identified. The most frequent diagnosis risk was that for infection, present in the medical records of 22 (84.60%) patients, with 175 prescriptions (42%) related to this diagnosis. The data the nurses collected were sufficient to establish the nursing diagnoses, and the majority of prescriptions (87.9%) were related to the diagnoses.

Caracterização dos pacientes internados nas unidades médicas e cirúrgicas do HCFMRP-USP, segundo o grau de dependência em relação ao cuidado de enfermagem

O presente estudo caracterizou o grau de dependência em relação ao cuidado de enfermagem dos pacientes internados nas unidades de internação médicas e cirúrgicas do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de abril a junho de 2002, e identificou a taxa média de ocupação de leitos nas unidades estudadas. Utilizou o Sistema de Classificação de Pacientes de Perroca (2000). Foram classificados 9719 pacientes/dia nas unidades médicas e 8667 pacientes/dia nas unidades cirúrgicas. Tanto nas unidades de internação médicas como cirúrgicas encontrou-se predominância de pacientes classificados no grau mínimo de cuidado de enfermagem, 70,3 e 66,9%, respectivamente. A taxa média de ocupação de leitos variou de 54,3 a 93,1% nas unidades médicas e de 43,4 a 60,2% nas unidades cirúrgicas. O estudo permitiu conhecer a clientela quanto à demanda de cuidado de enfermagem e posteriormente, desenvolver o dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem.