TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS ON THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT - FOR A NURSING SAFETY PROMOTER IN THE CRITICALLY ILL PATIENT

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization considers healthcare associated infections to be a real public health problem, with a growing impact worldwide. Transmission-Dependent Precautions are recognized as a measure of excellence, with local emergency services being central to its implementation in order to promote patient safety. Objective: The aim was to increase compliance with the nurses of the emergency department, using training strategies. Methods: We developed an exploratory-descriptive study during 9 weeks, in which 2 training sessions were carried out, involving a total of 30 nurses. Results: On a first observation, the mean evaluation was 32%, and subsequently increased to 75%, with all nurses improving their performance. Overall we have seen a 43% improvement in compliance with the measures for each route of transmission. Discussion: The results show that nurses demonstrate nonconformities in the implementation of transmission-based precautions during care. Strategies of a formative nature, adapted to the real needs of each context, lead to the development of good practices. Conclusion: Preventive infection control measures must be adhered to in all contexts of the health system, including the emergency department, with increased patient safety. Nurses are crucial elements in leading continuous quality improvement projects.