Quality indicators: tools for the management of best practices in Health

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze how nurses recognize and use quality indicators, aimed at contributing to the management of best practices in Health. Method: Case study with a qualitative approach, conducted with twelve nurses from a hospital in southern Brazil from March to May 2016. For data collection, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used. Data were subjected to content analysis, in the thematic modality. Results: The data showed that quality indicators are regarded as a tool for measuring health care outcomes, promoting the improvement of continuous care, assisting in the clinical decision-making and being present in discussions with the nursing team, in addition to contributing to the management of best practices in Health. Final Consideration: Quality indicator may support improvements in health services and in the nursing work, strengthening health policies.