GAMES AS AN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR THE INVOLVEMENT OF COMPANIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENT SAFETY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective to describe the meaning attributed to the use of a game as an educational technology for the involvement of companions in pediatric patient safety. Method a qualitative study carried out with 16 companions of children admitted to the Pediatric Unit of the public hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection took place from October to December 2019, through semi-structured interviews, after using the game as an educational technology. Symbolic Interactionism was used as the theoretical framework and Inductive Content Analysis, as the method. Results playing the game in search of patient safety was an important strategy for sharing knowledge and co-responsibility for the companions to engage in the pediatric patient safety actions, in addition to a relevant contribution to the prevention of adverse events. On the other hand, the professionals' overload and communication problems stood out as barriers to the establishment of a bond among the health team members and, consequently, the involvement of the companions in patient safety. Conclusion the companions recognized themselves as partners in the prevention of adverse events and highlighted some behavioral changes in favor of patient safety after participating in the playful intervention. Thus, it is considered that the game can be an important and interactive strategy for disseminating information to companions and family members and, consequently, favoring the increased participation of these actors in patient safety actions.