Patient safety in care circumstances: prevention of adverse events in the hospitalization of children

Abstract

This case study with a qualitative approach presents an analysis of the perceptions of family caregivers/companions and health workers concerning adverse events in care contexts. A total of 15 companions and 23 health workers from pediatric hospitalization units of a university hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil participated in this study from August to December 2010. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic content analysis using QSR's Nvivo version 7.0. Seven thematic categories emerged from the analysis. The results highlight reviewing and checking workers' interventions and implementing effective communication among workers, caregivers and children. The main recommendations concern changing the organizational culture of health facilities, emphasizing safe care and a systemic view of the evaluation of adverse events.