Analysis of quality indicators in an adult Intensive Care Unit: a descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the results of quality indicators in healthcare assistance monitored in an adult intensive care unit. Method: A descriptive study with a retrospective analysis of the indicator reports from an adult intensive care unit. Results: Of the 33 indicators, nine are related to the overall functioning of the unit, with a low readmission rate within 24 hours (0.8%). Fourteen indicators are related to invasive devices, with a predominance of use for indwelling urinary catheters (63.2%), peripheral venous catheters (59.8%), and nasogastric/nasoenteric tubes (50.0%). Six indicators pertain to non-infectious incidents, highlighting pressure ulcer incidence (5.2%), obstruction (2.7%), and removal of nasogastric/nasoenteric tubes (2.3%). Additionally, four indicators address infectious incidents, with a significant incidence density of ventilator-associated pneumonia (37.8 per 1000 patient days). Conclusion: Positive aspects were observed, such as a predominance of hospital discharges and low readmission rates, while negative aspects included incidents.