INTERFACE ENTRE O TRABALHO EM ENFERMAGEM INTENSIVISTA E A SEGURANÇA DO PACIENTE: O TRABALHO EM ENFERMAGEM INTENSIVISTA E A SEGURANÇA DO PACIENTE

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the interface between work in intensive care nursing and patient safety. Method: qualitative and exploratory study, which included 20 intensive care nurses from a private hospital in the capital of Bahia. The following were considered as inclusion criteria: working in a general intensive care unit, a minimum period of six months of work contract and having direct contact with the critical patient. The data collection technique was the semi-structured interview, carried out after approval by the ethics committee. The material obtained was systematized using Bardin's content analysis. Results and discussion: in the exploratory phase, from the vertical and horizontal synthesis, two analytical categories emerged: 1) Dimensions of work in the ICU and the relationship with patient safety; 2) Overload and centralization of activities: consequences for patient safety and worker health. The discursive contents of intensive care nurses regarding patient safety revealed concepts around the work process, bringing elements such as communication, group synchrony and professional motivation as dimensions associated with patient safety. However, it was also noticed that these speeches were anchored to organizational work issues, which encompass broader conditions, bringing recognition at work as a factor that promotes a safe environment. Conclusions: the study points to the need for investment in organizational structure and human capital as intertwined interfaces to achieve patient safety and reduce suffering from work.