Dimension prescribed and realyity of practices of health professionals in the context of patient safety

Abstract

Objective: To understand the prescribed and real dimensions of daily patient safety practice by health personnel.Method: The participants in this qualitative case study were 31 members of the Patient Safety Center and the nursing staff at a teaching hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil.Data collected in 2015 by scripted, semi-structured interview, were complemented by observation and secondary data.Data triangulation and content analysis were used.The project was approved by the research ethics committee (CAAE 44109015.0.0000.5149).Results: Changes were more evident in the prescriptive conception (introduction of the center, patient safety plan and protocols).Patient safety was not prioritized as a strategic guideline at the hospital, where team training and evaluation of actions were lacking.Conclusion: Patient safety was more evident as a prescription.The work being done does not correspond exactly to what is proposed by the rules and protocols.