Knowledge of Nursing Professional on the Safety of the Oncological Patient in Chemoterapy

Abstract

Introduction: Patient safety is becoming increasingly important at the national and international levels, especially in oncology, where there is a growing concern about the errors/adverse events related to antineoplastic chemotherapy drugs, with the main premise being the quality of health care and care safe. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding the safety of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: A qualitative study, carried out at the outpatient clinic of a High Complexity Oncology Care Unit, located in the State of Pará. Data were collected through a questionnaire to 11 non-participating nursing professionals, analyzed according to the analysis of Bardin content. Results: Four categories of content were identified: (1) the team's knowledge about the steps of chemotherapy treatment and general perceptions about patient safety; (2) hand hygiene and risk of falling; (3) inaccuracy in patient identification and effective communication; and (4) safe administration of antineoplastic chemotherapy. In these categories it was possible to verify knowledge gaps in the stages of the treatment and safe administration of antineoplastic chemotherapy, in the identification of the patient and in effective communication. It was observed the commitment of service professionals to implement the National Patient Safety Program (NPSP) with the identification of patients with badges, printed prescriptions and protocols of extravasation and spill. However, adherence to hand hygiene was not observed. Conclusion:The need for continuing and continuing education of professionals was inferred, despite the existence of care items that comply with the protocols of the NPSP.