Awareness of nurses on the occurrence of incidents with elderly hospitalized patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the awareness of nurses in relation to the occurrence of incidents during nursing care of hospitalized elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative-descriptive study performed with registered nurses in a patient care unit of a geriatric center in Salvador-BA. RESULTS: The most mentioned incidents by the nurses were pressure ulcers (26,15%) and fall injuries (16,92%). Among the main factors related to the incidents mentioned by the professionals are the clinical conditions of patients; however institutional and human factors were also stated. Regarding measures to be adopted after the incidents, 48% emphasized that educational measures should be performed with the team and 32% highlighted the correction of the corresponding factors. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the nurses are aware of the occurrence of incidents with elderly patients during the practice. It is of elementary importance to raise awareness of professionals as to the importance of theoretical-practical training. Awareness of the safety of patients is critical for the development of strategies guided towards reducing such incidents.