A LOOK AT PATIENT SAFETY IN THE SCOPE OF EMERGENCY CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Patient safety is considered the quality of care, and this care is provided efficiently and effectively at all levels of care, so that patients are assisted equally. Thus, to ensure that patient integrity and well-being are prioritized within services, the National Patient Safety Program was created, which has protocols that aim to reduce harm and adverse events that can be avoided. Objective: To identify how the scientific literature addresses patient safety in the context of urgency and emergency. Methodology: The research was an integrative review of the literature, carried out in the Scielo, Lilacs and Bdenf databases, using the controlled descriptors in health: patient safety, emergency and quality of health care. The crossing was performed with the Boolean descriptor "and". The sample consisted of articles that met the inclusion criteria: studies that addressed the proposed topic, full text available in Portuguese and English, published between 2019 and 2024. Articles that were presented in duplicate were excluded. They were arranged in tables presenting the following variables: Title, Author, Year, Journal, Objective, Methodology and Results, and were analyzed in light of the pertinent literature. Since this is a review study, approval by the ethics and research committee was not required. Results and discussion: Patient safety, according to the WHO, involves reducing risks in health care, promoting quality care. The National Patient Safety Program (PNSP) establishes protocols to ensure this safety, such as those for safe surgery and hand hygiene. Patient participation in promoting their own safety is essential, as is communication about adverse events. Urgent and emergency units face significant challenges related to safety, and health professionals can also become "second victims" of incidents. Therefore, patient safety must be a priority in all health services. Conclusion: Patient safety is essential in health care, reflecting the quality of care. The National Patient Safety Program (PNSP) and patient participation are essential to reduce risks, but challenges in emergency units can compromise this safety.