Nursing team’s perceptions of preparation and administration of medicines in pediatrics <b>

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the nursing team’s perceptions of preparation and administration of medicines in pediatrics. Method: qualitative study conducted in the pediatric clinic of a public hospital. Twenty nursing professionals were interviewed by using guiding questions about the medication administration process in their workplace and factors that contribute to medication errors. The interviews were recorded and later transcribed. The results were categorized according to content analysis and the theoretical framework was patient safety. Results: the categories that have been identified are medication-related work process; poor health work conditions; medication system: medical prescription; and medication-related protocols. Medical prescription has been pointed out as one of the factors that lead to medication errors, in addition to interruption during the preparation and administration of medicines and the absence of a protocol on specific care in pediatrics. Situations such as professional overload, conflicts, lack of materials, and poor physical structure have been noticed in the medication process in pediatrics. Conclusion: the nursing team’s perceptions have shown the need for spaces of dialogue within the multiprofessional team and greater management commitment and involvement in the search for safe patient care.