NURSING PERFORMANCE IN PATIENT SAFETY IN THE SURGICAL CENTER ACCORDING TO THE SAFE SURGERY PROTOCOL

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze nursing's role in patient safety in surgical centers, based on the World Health Organization's Safe Surgery Protocol. This was an integrative, descriptive-exploratory literature review conducted through the Virtual Health Library from February to August 2025. Studies published between 2019 and 2025, in Portuguese, with free and full access, were included. After applying the eligibility criteria, 12 articles were selected for analysis. The results showed that implementing the Safe Surgery Protocol and its associated checklist reduces surgical complications, prevents adverse events, and strengthens multidisciplinary communication. Nursing played a key role in this process, leading the checklist's implementation, coordinating resources, ensuring correct patient identification, and providing guidance throughout all phases of the procedure. However, barriers such as communication breakdowns, professional resistance, and insufficient training hinder full adherence to safe practices. It is concluded that nursing plays an essential role in the consolidation of surgical safety, with continuous training, the encouragement of a safety culture and the strengthening of institutional policies aimed at patient protection being essential.