Impact of medical waste bin on contamination of patient's environment: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Medical waste bins are potential source of microbial contamination in hospital environment, while there is no clear guidance for the management of them. We aimed to assess the impact of medical waste bins on patient's environment. METHODS: This experimental study simulated microbial contamination by performing medical procedures on a patient model with fluorescent lotion. The waste bin was set as initially empty or two-thirds filled with waste, open or with a lid. The percentage of fluorescent contaminated area in designated patient's environments was analyzed by two independent observers. RESULTS: Among a total of 120 experiments, the sides of the bins were more contaminated in open-occupied bins compared to open-empty bins and in open-occupied bins compared to lid-occupied bins (median 1.9175% vs. 0.0916% [P=0.001] and 1.9175% vs. 0.0899% [P=0.003], respectively). The top of bedside equipment trolley for preparing medical procedure was more contaminated in lid-occupied bins than open-occupied bins (median 0.0080% vs. 0.0040%, P=0.013). DISCUSSION: In addition to reducing contamination of bin itself, the manually operated lid had potential risk of contributing microbial transmission by contaminating equipment trolley. CONCLUSIONS: Medical waste bin should be kept no more than two-thirds full, and cautions should be taken when using manually operated lid, to avoid cross-contamination.

Parents' perceptions of factors influencing sleep in pediatric intensive care units: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore factors influencing sleep in pediatric intensive care units as perceived by parents of critically ill children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study used individual semistructured interviews. Parents were recruited through purposive sampling from two pediatric intensive care units at two locations in one university hospital in Norway. Ten parents were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using a six-phase reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS: The analysis produced 17 subthemes under four main themes: environmental factors in the pediatric intensive care unit disturb children's sleep, children need trust and safety to sleep, nurses' cooperation with parents influences children's sleep, and nurses' structuring of their practices is fundamental to sleep promotion. CONCLUSION: The parents found that the environment disturbed their children's sleep, and environmental factors were easier to control in single rooms than in multibed rooms. Children slept better when they felt safe and trusted the nurses, and parents desired more cooperation in promoting sleep for their children, which may be an essential and overlooked part of sleep promotion. Nurses varied considerably in how they prioritized sleep and structured their practices to promote sleep. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should take parents' experiences into account to better promote sleep for patients. By limiting environmental disturbances, building relationships with children to make them feel safe, including parents in sleep promotion, and prioritizing sleep in their practices, nurses could improve sleep quality and limit the consequences of sleep disturbance.

An insight into the clinical learning environment of dental institutes: a study in the twin cities of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceptions of dental students regarding their clinical learning environment in an urban setting. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from March 2020 to May 2021 after approval from the ethics review committee of Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan. It comprised of clinical year students, house officers and postgraduate trainees from 6 dental teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data was collected using a pre-validated instrument assessing the dental clinical learning environment. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 1030 students approached, 561(54.4%) responded. Of them, 448(80%) were girls, 234(41.7%) were 3rd year students, 110(19.6%) were 4th year students, 120(21.4%) were house officers and 97(17.3%) were postgraduate trainees. Female students had a better patient attitude and were more confident in their abilities to keep up with their peers (p<0.05). The students were content with the performance of their clinical teachers, with a mean score of 70.99+/-16.0, while the lowest score of 54.67+/-22.9 was for clinical infrastructure and materials. Students of Islamabad pointed out the lack of clinical materials and maintenance of equipment but noted better research opportunities compared to their Rawalpindi counterparts (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical learning environment for Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities individually was good. Overall, students were satisfied with their clinical teachers, learning and training experience. Dental materials, infrastructure and maintenance factors scored the lowest.

The influence of communal spaces on patient activity in rehabilitation: a mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether patients are more active in communal spaces compared to their bedrooms and explore patient perspectives on communal spaces for activity, rest, and wellbeing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study observed participants via behavioural mapping in a mixed inpatient rehabilitation unit for up to three days. Physical, social, and cognitive activity levels in communal spaces were compared with activity in bedrooms using independent t-tests. Three focus groups explored participants' perspectives on communal spaces for activity, rest and wellbeing using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three participants (age 71.6 ± 13years, 39%male) were observed, and a subset (n = 12) (age 67.3 ± 16.9, 50%male) participated in focus groups. Participants spent a greater proportion of time being physically active (mean difference 22.7%, 95%CI 8.7-36.6, p = 0.002) and socially active (mean difference 23.6%, 95%CI 9.1-38.1, p = 0.002) in communal spaces than bedrooms. No difference in cognitive activity was found. Participants perceived communal spaces to positively influence mood and activity. Reduced independence was a barrier, while visitors, activities, and an inviting design attracted people to communal areas. CONCLUSION: Communal spaces may positively influence patient activity and mood during inpatient rehabilitation. Future studies should seek strategies to optimise engagement in communal environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOptimising patient activity throughout the day in inpatient rehabilitation is important to support recovery.Communal spaces in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals can positively influence patient activity and mood.Strategies to promote use of communal spaces in the inpatient rehabilitation hospital are needed.

Dynamics of Staphylococcus aureus in patients and the hospital environment in a tertiary care hospital in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: The dynamics of Staphylococcus aureus in patients and the hospital environment are relatively unknown. We studied these dynamics in a tertiary care hospital in the Netherlands. METHODS: Nasal samples were taken from adult patients at admission and discharge. Isolates cultured from clinical samples taken before and during hospitalization from these patients were included. Environmental samples of patient rooms were taken over a three-year period. Finally, isolates from clinical samples from patients with an epidemiological link to S. aureus positive rooms were included. Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing was performed. RESULTS: Nasal samples were taken from 673 patients. One hundred eighteen (17.5%) were positive at admission and discharge, 15 (2.2%) patients acquired S. aureus during hospitalization. Nineteen patients had a positive clinical sample during hospitalization, 15.9% of the S. aureus were considered as from an exogenous source. One hundred and forty (2.8%) environmental samples were S. aureus positive. No persistent contamination of surfaces was observed. Isolates were highly diverse: spa typing was performed for 893 isolates, identifying 278 different spa types, 161 of these spa types were observed only once. CONCLUSION: Limited transmission could be identified between patients and the hospital environment, and from patient-to-patient. Exogenous acquisition was assumed to occur in 15% of clinical samples. Environmental contamination was infrequent, temporarily, and coincided with the strain from the patient admitted to the room at that time. MRSA was rare and not found in the environment.

Designing Well-Being: A Qualitative Investigation of Young Patients' Perspectives on the Material Hospital Environment.

BACKGROUND: Physical surroundings of healthcare facilities are suggested to influence young patients' well-being and hospitalization experiences. PURPOSE: The current research seeks to understand young patients' views and perspectives of the hospital lobby and inpatient rooms. Thus, a qualitative study was carried out in a social pediatric clinic for young patients with disabilities, developmental delays, behavioral problems, and chronic health conditions, that is undergoing reconstruction. METHOD: Operating from a critical realist position, the study employed arts-based methods in conjunction with semi-structured interviews. The data were explored by employing thematic analysis. RESULTS: 37 young people between the age of four and 30 years participated in the study. The analysis illustrates that the built environment should contain comforting and joyful elements, while enabling patients' autonomy. The ideal lobby was depicted as open and accessible and an ideal patient room as practical and adapted to personal needs. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that disabling and medicalized spatial arrangements and features may restrict young people's sense of control and autonomy, while possibly posing a barrier to a health-promoting environment. Large and open spaces with comforting and distracting features are cherished by patients and may be embedded in a comprehensive, yet simple overall design and structural concept.

Methods of Cleaning Taps to Prevent Hospital-Associated Infections: An Environmental Survey-Based Study.

In hospitals, outbreaks can occur due to pathogens accumulating in the areas around the wards' washbasins. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) was detected in an environmental survey in the high-care unit of a university hospital in Isehara, Japan, and effective cleaning methods were investigated. This study investigated methods of cleaning taps using commonly used detergents and disinfectants, and it assessed their effectiveness in removing hard scale and pathogens, including CRE. The taps were cleaned using various methods and cleaning agents, including environmentally neutral detergent, citric acid, baking soda, cleanser, 80% ethanol, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, and a phosphoric acid-based environmental detergent (Space Shot). The cleaning effect was assessed based on the agent's effectiveness at removing hard scale from taps. Biofilms and scale were identified on taps, and several bacterial species were cultured. Only phosphoric acid-based detergent was effective at removing hard scale. After cleaning with the phosphoric acid-based detergent, the bacterial count decreased, and no CRE or other pathogens were detected. These results provide a reference for other facilities considering introducing this cleaning method.

A Survey of the General Hospital Environment: Focusing on Pajama Design in a Japanese University Hospital.

This study investigated nurses' and patients' perceptions of hospital room environment and patient pajama design. Nurses working in a Japanese university hospital and patients aged 20 and older were surveyed. Over 75% of patients rated the hospital environment and hospital rooms as "very good" or "good," but less than one in three nurses rated them similarly. Patients were more likely than nurses to rate rental pajamas as "very good" or "good." Contrary to the nurses, only about one in four patients valued wearing well-designed pajamas. Nurses' and patients' perceptions differed regarding hospital pajamas, but not about improving hospital rooms.

Analysis of relationship of psychosocial factors with patient safety culture in a Brazilian hospital: Study with structural equation modeling analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The scenario of the health system can develop physical and emotional impacts on health professionals, due to work overload and failure to manage the system. It is necessary to consolidate the theory that the safety of care provided by health services is affected by organizational conditions. The aim of this study is to assess whether safety culture is related to job satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and burnout syndrome among hospital professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an analysis with structural equation modeling, conducted in a teaching hospital in Brazil. Data collection was made via psychometric instruments, which sought to analyze job satisfaction (Job Satisfaction Survey), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), burnout syndrome (Maslach Burnout Inventory), as well as the relationship between this factors and patient safety culture (Safety Attitudes Questionnaire). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were used for analysis. RESULTS: A higher work satisfaction was associated with a higher perception of safety culture (r=0.69; P<0.001). Depressive symptoms and burnout dimensions showed an inverse relationship with the safety culture (P<0.05). PLS-SEM enabled us to understand the behavior of this association. Thus, satisfaction at work and the absence of burnout proved to be predictive factors for the implementation of an ideal patient safety culture (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient safety culture is related to job satisfaction and burnout among hospital professionals. These findings suggest that the psychosocial work environment influences the quality of care provided.

Fatores associados ao empoderamento psicológico da enfermagem em serviços de hemodiálise / Factores asociados al empoderamiento psicológico de enfermería en servicios de hemodiálisis / Factors associated with the psychological empowerment of nursing in hemodialysis services

Resumo Objetivo Explorar as associações entre o empoderamento psicológico de profissionais de enfermagem e o ambiente da prática, o clima de segurança e as variáveis sociodemográficas e laborais. Métodos Estudo quantitativo e correlacional. A população foi constituída por 64 profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em quatro serviços de hemodiálise localizados no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para a coleta de dados, foram aplicados: questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e laboral, as versões brasileiras do Psychological Empowerment Instrument, do Practice Environment Scale e o domínio Clima de segurança do Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, testes de associação e regressão linear. Resultados A média geral do empoderamento psicológico foi 68,7 (DP=10,8), do ambiente da prática 2,9 pontos (DP=0,8) e do clima de segurança 71,1 (DP=19,5). Foram encontradas evidências de associações positivas e de forte intensidade do empoderamento psicológico e o ambiente da prática (r=0,57; p<0,001) e o clima de segurança (r=0,62; p<0,001). Cada ponto no domínio do clima de segurança e no ambiente da prática elevou, respectivamente, 0,24 (p<0,001) e 4,17 (p=0,021), em média, os valores do empoderamento psicológico. Simultaneamente, os valores do ambiente da prática e do clima de segurança influenciaram o empoderamento psicológico em 44%. Os sensos de autodeterminação (p=0,007) e de impacto (p=0,019) foram mais elevados entre os enfermeiros. Conclusão O empoderamento psicológico dos profissionais de enfermagem é influenciado pelas características do ambiente da prática, pelo clima de segurança e pela categoria profissional.

Resumen Objetivo Estudiar las relaciones entre el empoderamiento psicológico de profesionales de enfermería y el ambiente de la práctica, el clima de seguridad y las variables sociodemográficas y laborales. Métodos Estudio cuantitativo y correlacional. La población fue formada por 64 profesionales de enfermería que trabajan en cuatro servicios de hemodiálisis ubicados en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para la recopilación de datos se aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos: cuestionario de caracterización sociodemográfica y laboral, las versiones brasileñas de Psychological Empowerment Instrument, Practice Environment Scale y el dominio Clima de seguridad del Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva, pruebas de asociación y regresión lineal. Resultados El promedio general del empoderamiento psicológico fue 68,7 (DP=10,8), del ambiente de la práctica 2,9 puntos (DP=0,8) y del clima de seguridad 71,1 (DP=19,5). Se encontraron evidencias de asociaciones positivas y de fuerte intensidad entre empoderamiento psicológico y el ambiente de la práctica (r=0,57; p<0,001) y el clima de seguridad (r=0,62; p<0,001). Cada punto del dominio del clima de seguridad y del ambiente de la práctica elevó en promedio 0,24 (p<0,001) y 4,17 (p=0,021), respectivamente, los valores del empoderamiento psicológico. Al mismo tiempo, los valores del ambiente de la práctica y del clima de seguridad influyeron en el empoderamiento psicológico un 44 %. El sentido de autodeterminación (p=0,007) y de impacto (p=0,019) fueron más elevados entre los enfermeros. Conclusión El empoderamiento psicológico de los profesionales de enfermería está influenciado por las características del ambiente de la práctica, por el clima de seguridad y por la categoría profesional.

Abstract Objective To explore the associations between psychological empowerment of nursing professionals and the practice environment, safety climate and sociodemographic and labor variables. Methods This is a quantitative and correlational study. The population consisted of 64 nursing professionals working in four hemodialysis services located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For data collection, the following were applied: sociodemographic and labor characterization questionnaire, the Brazilian versions of the Psychological Empowerment Instrument, the Practice Environment Scale and the Safety climate domain of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, association tests and linear regression. Results The overall mean of psychological empowerment was 68.7 (SD=10.8), of the practice environment, 2.9 points (SD=0.8), and of safety climate, 71.1 (SD=19.5). Evidence of positive and strong associations between psychological empowerment and the practice environment (r=0.57; p<0.001) and safety climate (r=0.62; p<0.001) were found. Each point in the domain of safety climate and in the practice environment increased, respectively, 0.24 (p<0.001) and 4.17 (p=0.021) in mean the values of psychological empowerment. At the same time, the practice environment and safety climate values influenced psychological empowerment by 44%. Self-determination (p=0.007) and impact (p=0.019) were higher among nurses. Conclusion The psychological empowerment of nursing professionals is influenced by the practice environment characteristics, safety climate and professional category.

Impact of sink design on bacterial transmission from hospital sink drains to the surrounding sink environment tested using a fluorescent marker.

In hospitals, sinks act as reservoirs for bacterial pathogens. To assess the extent of splashing, fluorescein dye was added to four hospital sinks previously involved in pathogen dispersal to the environment and/or transmission to patients, and one sink that was not. Applying dye to the p-trap or tailpiece did not result in any fluorescent droplets outside of the drain. When applied to the drain, droplets were found in all but one wash basin, and this was more common in the absence of a drain plug. Sink design considerations to install drain plugs, reduce dripping and offset the tap may help to prevent transmission from drains.

Validation of Psychometric Properties of the Nursing Work Index-Revised Scale in Portugal.

The use of instruments designed to assess the nursing practice environment is crucial to improve the quality of nursing care, to anticipate problems and difficulties that may arise in organizations, and allow nurse managers to implement changes and improvements in key areas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nursing Work Index-Revised Portuguese version (NWI-R-PT) scale. A quantitative, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS: The sample consisted of 767 nurses from 4 public Portuguese hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques were used to test the distinct structural models. The scale's accuracy was evaluated through internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: NWI-R-PT internal consistency was 0.91. The NWI-R-PT model with six factors, namely "Management Support," "Professional Development," "Fundamentals of Nursing," "Nurse-Physician Relationship," "Endowments," and "Organization of Nursing Care," was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The NWI-R-PT scale presents adequate goodness-of-fit indices concerning the final factorial model and the convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The NWI-R-PT scale has a competent and reliable structure. The scale's validity is confirmed; therefore, it may be employed in all contexts in clinical practice, research, and nursing management. The NWI-R-PT is a useful and valid instrument to assess the nursing environment in hospitals, primary care, long-term care, and nursing homes. The scale has significance in improving the quality of nursing care and patient safety, the professional development of nurses, and organizational results.

Transformações da ambiência de unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica na perspectiva dos enfermeiros / Transformaciones del ambiente de las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos desde la perspectiva de los enfermeros / Transformations in the ambience of pediatric intensive care units from the perspective of nurses

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o discurso dos enfermeiros acerca da ambiência da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica - UTIP e suas transformações com a presença do familiar/acompanhante. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, realizada por meio de um questionário com 28 enfermeiros de 3 UTIPs. Foi utilizado o software Iramuteq para o processamento dos dados. Para a análise, realizaram-se a Classificação Hierárquica Descendente e a análise temática. Resultados: os enfermeiros mencionaram a importância da ambiência da unidade e a necessidade da permanência do familiar. Entretanto, eles afirmam que o espaço físico não é apropriado para essa permanência. Ademais, a UTIP foi caracterizada como estressante, principalmente em relação à iluminação, aos ruídos, à temperatura e à falta de espaços para descanso e refeições. Conclusões: a ambiência influencia na assistência prestada à criança e sua família na UTIP, assim como nas relações interpessoais dos enfermeiros, principalmente com os familiares. Por isso, é imprescindível a participação do enfermeiro no processo de planejamento e construção da unidade, tornando a ambiência da unidade uma ferramenta facilitadora de produção de saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el discurso de los enfermeros sobre el ambiente de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos UCIP y sus transformaciones con la presencia del familiar/acompañante. Método: investigación cualitativa, realizada mediante un cuestionario con veintiocho enfermeros de tres unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Se utilizó el software Iramuteq para el procesamiento de datos. Para el análisis, se realizó la Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente y el análisis temático. Resultados: los enfermeros mencionaron la importancia del ambiente de la unidad y la necesidad de que el familiar permanezca allí. Sin embargo, afirman que el espacio físico no es el adecuado para esta permanencia. Además, la UCIP se caracterizó como estresante principalmente en relación con la iluminación, el ruido, la temperatura y la falta de espacios para el descanso y las comidas. Conclusiones: el ambiente influye en los cuidados prestados al niño y a su familia en la UCIP, así como en las relaciones interpersonales de los enfermeros, especialmente con los familiares. Por lo tanto, es esencial que el enfermero participen en el proceso de planificación y construcción de la unidad, haciendo del ambiente de la unidad una herramienta facilitadora para la salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the nurses' discourse about the environment of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and its transformations with the presence of the family member/caregivers. Method: qualitative research, carried out through a questionnaire with 28 nurses from 3 (PICUs). Iramuteq software was used for data processing. For the analysis, the Descending Hierarchical Classification and the thematic analysis were carried out. Results: the nurses mentioned the importance of the ambience of the unit and the need for the family member to remain. However, they claim that the physical space is not appropriate for this permanence. In addition, the PICU was characterized as stressful, especially in relation to lighting, noise, temperature, and lack of spaces for rest and meals. Conclusions: the environment influences the care provided to children and their families in the PICU, as well as the nurses' interpersonal relationships, especially with family members. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to participate in the process of planning and building the unit, making the environment of the unit a tool that facilitates health production.

Appraisal and evaluation of the instruments measuring the nursing work environment: A systematic review.

AIMS: To appraise the current instruments available for measuring the nursing work environment and re-examine the definition and construct of the nursing work environment. BACKGROUND: A psychometrically sound instrument is fundamental to understanding and improving the nursing work environment. The nursing work environment is a complex construct, and its definition remains inconclusive. None of the instruments available is considered as the gold standard. EVALUATION: A comprehensive searching was undertaken in August 2021 in six databases according to PRISMA. The COSMIN and modified GRADE were applied to assess the methodological quality and measurement properties of the instruments. Instruments were categorized into three levels. The definition and construct of nursing work environment were revisited. KEY ISSUES: Forty-one studies (19 instruments) were included. One, fourteen, and four instruments are respectively appraised as A-, B- and C-level recommendation. Definition and eight labels of nursing work environment are identified. CONCLUSION: This paper provides recommendations for selecting a proper instrument for the nursing work environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study helps nurse managers to select instruments and understand the construct of the nursing work environment. The eight labels can be used as a reference for tailoring policy aimed at creating a favourable nursing work environment.

Predictors of disaster preparedness among registered nurses in Saudi Arabia: A structural equation modelling analysis.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of the present state of disaster preparedness among nurses in developing countries is not very well elucidated. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the adequacy of disaster preparedness among nurses in such countries and to examine the factors that influence the preparedness of nurses with regard to disaster management. METHODS: A cross-sectional methodological design was used. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit 370 registered nurses from two hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using valid and reliable self-reported questionnaires, including the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool, Practice Environment Scale-Nursing Work Index, and Self-Regulation Scale. RESULTS: The final model, with good fit indices, revealed that the disaster preparedness of nurses was significantly influenced by nurses' skills, knowledge, leadership ability and support, self-regulation, nursing quality of care, disaster training, disaster experience, and workplace participation. Altogether, these factors explained 68% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The factors influencing the preparedness of nurses for disaster are more complex than previously understood. Our model, created and tested using structural equation modelling, merits further research to extend our understanding of how nurses' perception of disaster management is influenced by organizational characteristics in the hospital work environment.

Avaliação de aspectos assistenciais, organizacionais e laborais na perspectiva dos profissionais de Enfermagem / Evaluación de los aspectos asistenciales, organizativos y laborales desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de enfermería / Evaluation of Care, Organizational and Laboral Aspects from the Perspective of Nursing Professionals

Introdução: a equipe de enfermagem desempenha um papel importante no contexto da saúde, no qual é necessário alinhar o controle dos elevados custos com a segurança e a qualidade assistencial, o que pode contribuir para as decisões de gestão e para a concepção de políticas públicas capazes de influenciar os resultados para os professionais, pacientes e serviços de saúde. Objetivo: avaliar as condições de trabalho, qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem, satisfação professional e intenção de permanecer no trabalho atual e na professão na perspectiva dos professionais de enfermagem. Métodos: Foi um estudo transversal, descritivo e correlacional realizado em três hospitais gerais no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados com apoio de formulário contendo caracterização pessoal e professional e da avaliação dos cuidados, aspectos organizacionais e de trabalho. Resultados: participaram um total de 452 professionais de enfermagem. Os professionais de enfermagem estão satisfeitos com o seu trabalho, reportaram a sua intenção de permanecer no trabalho atual e na professão durante os próximos 12 meses e reportaram boas condições de trabalho. Conclusão: a instituição que teve acreditação hospitalar apresentou melhores resultados, sugerindo que as certicações de qualidade podem favorecer a percepção dos professionais de enfermagem a respeito da avaliação dos cuidados, aspectos organizacionais e de trabalho.

Introducción: el equipo de enfermería desempeña un papel importante en el contexto sanitario, en el que es necesario alinear el control de los costes elevados con la seguridad y la calidad de los cuidados, lo que puede contribuir a las decisiones de gestión y al diseño de políticas públicas capaces de influir en los resultados de los profesionales, los pacientes y los servicios sanitarios. Objetivo: evaluar las condiciones de trabajo, la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería, la satisfacción laboral y la intención de permanecer en el puesto de trabajo actual y en la profesión desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de enfermería. Métodos: se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo y correlacional realizado en tres hospitales generales de Brasil. Los datos se recogieron con el apoyo de un formulario que contenía la caracterización personal y profesional y la evaluación de los aspectos asistenciales, organizativos y laborales. Resultados: participaron 452 profesionales de enfermería. Los profesionales de enfermería están satisfechos con su trabajo, informaron su intención de permanecer en su empleo actual y en la profesión durante los próximos 12 meses y declararon tener buenas condiciones de trabajo. Conclusión: la institución que contaba con acreditación hospitalaria mostró mejores resultados, lo que sugiere que las certificaciones de calidad pueden favorecer la percepción de los profesionales de enfermería en cuanto a la evaluación de los aspectos asistenciales, organizativos y laborales.

Introduction: The nursing team plays an important role in the healthcare context, in which it is necessary to align high-cost control with safety and quality of care, which can contribute to management decisions and to the design of public policies capable of influencing outcomes for professionals, patients, and healthcare services. Objective: To evaluate working conditions, quality of nursing care, job satisfaction, and intention to remain in the current job and in the profession from the perspective of nursing professionals. Methods: this was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study carried out in three general hospitals in Brazil. Data were collected with the support of a form containing personal and professional characterization and evaluation of care, organizational and work aspects. Results: A total of 452 nursing professionals participated. The nursing professionals are satisfied with their work, reported their intention to remain in their current job and in the profession for the next 12 months and reported good working conditions. Conclusion: The institution that had hospital accreditation showed better results, suggesting that quality certifications may favor the perception of nursing professionals regarding the evaluation of care, organizational and work aspects.

Ambiente de prática dos enfermeiros antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Ambiente de práctica de enfermeros antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Nurses' practice environment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a percepção do ambiente de prática profissional dos enfermeiros antes e durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos Estudo descritivo, tipo survey realizado em um hospital acreditado, situado no município de São Paulo - SP. Os enfermeiros foram convidados a responderem o instrumento Practice Environment Scale versão brasileira, em dois momentos: 10 meses antes da pandemia (Grupo 1) e seis meses após o início do atendimento de pacientes com a COVID-19 (Grupo 2). Foi adotado o nível de significância de p≤0,05 e empregado o teste de hipótese não-paramétrico Mann-Whitney para comparação entre dois grupos não pareados. Resultados O Grupo 1 foi composto por 55 enfermeiros e o Grupo 2 por 53. Todas as subescalas apresentaram médias superiores a 2,5, variando entre 2,8 a 3,3 no Grupo I e 3,0 a 3,4 no Grupo 2. As subescalas Habilidade, liderança e suporte dos coordenadores/ supervisores de enfermagem aos enfermeiros/ equipe de enfermagem; Adequação da equipe e de recursos e Relações de trabalho positivas entre médicos e enfermeiros foram melhor avaliadas no período pandêmico, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p = 0,05; 0,04 e 0,04, respectivamente). Conclusão O ambiente de prática profissional do enfermeiro foi classificado como favorável nos dois momentos, mas apresentou melhores resultados durante a pandemia.

Resumen Objetivo Comparar la percepción del ambiente de práctica profesional de los enfermeros antes y durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos Estudio descriptivo, tipo survey realizado en un hospital acreditado, ubicado en el municipio de São Paulo, estado de São Paulo. Los enfermeros fueron invitados a responder el instrumento Practice Environment Scale versión brasileña, en dos momentos: 10 meses antes de la pandemia (Grupo 1) y seis meses después del inicio de la atención de pacientes con COVID-19 (Grupo 2). Se adoptó el nivel de significancia de p≤0,05 y se utilizó la prueba de hipótesis no paramétrica Mann-Whitney para comparación entre dos grupos no pareados. Resultados El Grupo 1 estuvo compuesto por 55 enfermeros y el Grupo 2 por 53. Todas las subescalas presentaron promedios superiores a 2,5, que variaron entre 2,8 y 3,3 en el Grupo 1, y entre 3,0 y 3,4 en el Grupo 2. Las subescalas Habilidad, liderazgo y apoyo de los coordinadores/supervisores de enfermería a los enfermeros/equipo de enfermería; Adaptación del equipo y de los recursos, y Relaciones laborales positivas entre médicos y enfermeros fueron mejor evaluadas en el período pandémico, con diferencias estadísticamente significantes (p = 0,05; 0,04 y 0,04, respectivamente). Conclusión El ambiente de práctica profesional de enfermeros fue clasificado como favorable en los dos momentos, pero presentó mejores resultados durante la pandemia.

Abstract Objective To compare nurses' perception of the professional practice environment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Descriptive, survey-type study conducted in an accredited hospital located in the city of São Paulo - SP. Nurses were invited to answer the Brazilian version of the Practice Environment Scale instrument in two moments: ten months before the pandemic (Group 1) and six months after the start of care for patients with COVID-19 (Group 2). A significance level of p≤0.05 was adopted and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric hypothesis test was used to compare two unpaired groups. Results Group 1 consisted of 55 nurses and Group 2 of 53. All subscales had means above 2.5, ranging from 2.8 to 3.3 in Group 1 and 3.0 to 3.4 in Group 2. The subscales Nurse manager ability, leadership and support to nurses; Staffing and resource adequacy; and Collegial nurse-physician relations were better evaluated in the pandemic period, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.05; 0.04 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion Although nurse's professional practice environment was classified as favorable at both times, results were better during the pandemic.

Ambiente de prática profissional e segurança do paciente pediátrico: implicações no enfrentamento da pandemia COVID-19 / Professional practice environment and pediatric patient safety: implications for confronting the COVID-19 pandemic

Introdução: As características do ambiente de prática profissional influenciam na qualidade da assistência e na segurança do paciente pediátrico. Estudar sobre o tema no contexto atual de cenário pandêmico, agrega à enfermagem um conhecimento mais abrangente sobre como o profissional lida com situações de crise, bem como pode sensibilizar os gestores para adoção de medidas que proporcionem um ambiente de trabalho favorável, desenvolvendo um cuidado mais seguro e qualificado para o paciente pediátrico. Objetivo Geral: Analisar o ambiente da prática profissional dos profissionais de enfermagem e como este pode estar relacionado com a ocorrência de incidentes de segurança do paciente, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em unidades pediátricas de um hospital universitário de grande porte. Objetivos Específicos: Caracterizar a força de trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem; descrever e classificar o ambiente da prática profissional de enfermagem segundo a percepção dos profissionais; avaliar a relação do ambiente de prática profissional com as variáveis de resultado (satisfação no trabalho, intenção de deixar o emprego e percepção acerca da qualidade do cuidado e da segurança do paciente); comparar as características dos incidentes de segurança do paciente ocorridos em unidades pediátricas hospitalares durante o enfrentamento da pandemia COVID-19 e o ano anterior; conhecer a percepção de profissionais de enfermagem sobre as implicações da pandemia na ocorrência de incidentes de segurança do paciente; e investigar as características que podem favorecer ou dificultar o desenvolvimento da prática profissional de enfermagem nas unidades pediátricas durante o enfrentamento da pandemia COVID-19, segundo a percepção dos profissionais. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de método misto de estratégia incorporada concomitante. Os dados quantitativos foram obtidos por meio da aplicação de ficha de caracterização pessoal, profissional e do ambiente de trabalho e do instrumento Practice Environment Scale para 150 profissionais de enfermagem atuantes nas unidades pediátricas do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Além disso, compuseram a amostra todas as notificações de incidentes de segurança do paciente ocorridas nos setores de pediatria entre janeiro de 2019 e dezembro de 2020. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial com o SPSS/PASW versão 18.0. Os dados qualitativos foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 18 profissionais que responderam ao instrumento Practice Environment Scale, sendo empregada análise de conteúdo do tipo categorial temática. A coleta de dados foi realizada de março a setembro de 2021. A integração dos dados ocorreu por incorporação dos dados. O estudo está vinculado ao projeto de pesquisa "Ambiente de trabalho e Saúde durante a pandemia COVID- 19: absenteísmo, burnout, gestão e organização do trabalho entre profissionais de enfermagem" aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa sob parecer no. 4.048.168 e o CAEE 31545920.2.0000.5327. Resultados: Os profissionais de enfermagem percebem o ambiente como favorável à prática profissional, com todas as subescalas apresentando escores acima de 2,5. Também avaliaram como muito boa a satisfação no trabalho 8,59 (dp=1,45), a segurança do paciente 8,21 (dp=1,56) e a qualidade do cuidado 8,71 (dp=1,29). As características identificadas como dificultadoras da prática foram relacionadas ao comportamento do familiar/acompanhante da criança hospitalizada, ao aumento das demandas e sobrecarga de trabalho, ao uso da paramentação e à estrutura física, já as características facilitadoras foram relacionadas à baixa quantidade e gravidade dos pacientes pediátricos com Covid-19, ao suporte oferecido pelos coordenadores e pela instituição, a parceria entre a equipe médica e equipe de enfermagem, ao trabalho em equipe, ao uso da tecnologia e a facilidade de acesso à informação. Ainda, o perfil das notificações de incidentes de segurança ocorridos nas unidades pediátricas da instituição não apresentou diferenças significativas quando comparamos as notificações de 2019 (219) com as de 2020 (199), tendo diminuído apenas 20 (-9,13%) notificações. Também não houve mudança expressiva no panorama de incidentes na percepção dos profissionais visto que houve um equilíbrio entre os aspectos que dificultaram e facilitaram os processos de trabalho durante a pandemia. Considerações Finais: O ambiente da prática foi considerado favorável na instituição em estudo. Não houve diferença na ocorrência de incidentes de segurança antes e durante a pandemia e este achado foi corroborado pela percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem.

Introduction: The characteristics of the professional practice environment influence the quality of care and the safety of pediatric patients. Studying the topic in the current pandemic context adds to nursing a more comprehensive knowledge about how professionals cope with crisis situations, as well as it can raise health managers' awareness about adopting measures that provide a favorable work environment, developing a safer and more qualified care for pediatric patients. General objective: To analyze the professional practice environment of nursing professionals and how it may be related to the occurrence of patient safety incidents in pediatric units of a large university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific Objectives: To characterize the workforce of nursing professionals; to describe and categorize the professional nursing practice environment according to the professionals' perception; to assess the relationship between the professional practice environment and the outcome variables (job satisfaction, perception on the quality of care and patient safety); to compare the characteristics of patient safety incidents that occurred in pediatric hospital units during the COVID-19 pandemic and the previous year; to identify the perception of nursing professionals about the impacts of the pandemic on the occurrence of patient safety incidents; and to investigate the characteristics that may favor or hinder the development of professional nursing practice in pediatric units during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the professionals' perception. Method: This is a mixed method study of concomitant embedded strategy. Quantitative data were obtained through a personal, professional and work environment characterization form and the Practice Environment Scale for 150 nursing professionals working in pediatric units of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In addition, the sample comprised all notifications of patient safety incidents that occurred in the pediatric units between January 2019 and December 2020. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS/PASW Statistics 18.0. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 18 professionals who responded to the Practice Environment Scale, and thematic categorical content analysis was used. Data collection was carried out from March to September 2021. Data integration took place through data embedding. The study is linked to the research project "Work environment and Health during the COVID-19 pandemic: absenteeism, burnout, management and organization of work among nursing professionals" approved by the Research Ethics Committee under opinion no. 4,048,168 and CAEE 31545920.2.0000.5327. Results: Nursing professionals perceive the environment as favorable for professional practice, with all subscales presenting scores above 2.5. They also rated job satisfaction as very good with 8.59 (sd=1.45), as well as patient safety with 8.21 (sd=1.56) and quality of care with 8.71 (sd=1.29). The characteristics identified as unfavorable for practice were related to the behavior of the family, the increase in demands and work overload, the use of attire and the physical structure, whereas the favorable characteristics were related to the low number and severity of patients, the support offered by coordinators and the institution, the partnership between the medical team and the nursing team, teamwork, the use of technology and easy information. In addition, the profile of safety incident notifications that occurred in the pediatric units of the institution did not show significant differences in comparison between the notifications from 2019 (219) and those from 2020 (199), with a decrease of only 20 (-9.13%) notifications. There was no difference in the occurrence of safety incidents before and during the pandemic and this finding was corroborated by the perception of nursing professionals.

Aspectos da ambiência que influenciam o processo de trabalho na unidade materno-infantil / Aspects of the ambience that influence the work process in the mother and child unit / Aspectos del ambiente que influyen en el proceso de trabajo en la unidad maternoinfantil

Objetivo: conhecer aspectos da ambiência que influenciam no processo de trabalho na unidade materno-infantil. Método: pesquisa qualitativa de caráter exploratório e descritivo; realizada em uma unidade materno-infantil. Participaram 21 profissionais de enfermagem. A coleta de dados ocorreu por entrevista semiestruturada gravada; posteriormente submetidos à análise temática. Resultados: como aspectos que contribuem no desenvolvimento do processo de trabalho elencaram-se a boa relação entre a equipe de enfermagem; disponibilidade de recurso pessoal e material; a identidade do hospital. Como dificultadores foi apontada a falta de especificidade e espaço da unidade; sua localização; dificuldade na comunicação e a assimetria entre os cuidados prestados pela equipe de enfermagem e médica. Conclusão: a ambiência da unidade materno-infantil deve contemplar a confortabilidade das mulheres internadas; possibilitar a produção de subjetividade dos profissionais de enfermagem, por meio do trabalho em equipe multiprofissional; bem como favorecer a utilização do próprio espaço como ferramenta facilitadora da produção de saúde.

Objective: to know aspects of the ambience that influences the work process in the mother and child unit. Method: qualitative exploratory and descriptive study performed in a mother-child unit. Twenty-one nursing professionals participated. Data collection took place through a semi-structured recorded interview subsequently submitted to thematic analysis. Results: as aspects that contribute to the development of the work process, the good relationship within the nursing team, availability of personal and material resources, and the hospital's identity were listed. As hindering aspects, the participants mentioned the lack of specificity and space of the unit; the location of the unit; the difficulty in communication; and the asymmetry between the care provided by the nursing and medical staff. Conclusion: the ambience of the mother-child unit must take into consideration the comfort of hospitalized women; enable the production of subjectivity of nursing professionals through work in a multiprofessional team; and favor the use of the space itself as a tool to facilitate the production of health.

Objetivo: conocer aspectos del ambiente que influyen en el proceso de trabajo en la unidad maternoinfantil. Método: investigación cualitativa, exploratoria y descriptiva; conducida en una unidad maternoinfantil. Tuvo la participación de 21 profesionales de enfermería. La recolección de datos se dio por entrevista semiestructurada grabada; posteriormente sometidos al análisis temático. Resultados: como aspectos que contribuyen para el desarrollo del proceso de trabajo, se enumeraron la buena relación entre el equipo de enfermería; la disponibilidad de recursos personales y materiales; la identidad del hospital. Como obstáculos, se señalaron la falta de especificidad y espacio de la unidad; su ubicación; la dificultad en la comunicación y la asimetría entre la atención brindada por el personal médico y de enfermería. Conclusión: el ambiente de la unidad maternoinfantil debe contemplar la confortabilidad de las mujeres hospitalizadas; posibilitar la producción de subjetividad de los profesionales de enfermería, mediante el trabajo en equipo multidisciplinario; así como favorecer el uso del propio espacio como herramienta para facilitar la producción de salud.

Ambiente de prática profissional dos enfermeiros em hospitais universitários brasileiros: estudo transversal multicêntrico / Ambiente de práctica profesional de los enfermeros en hospitales universitarios brasileños: estudio transversal multicéntrico / Nurses' professional practice environment in Brazilian university hospitals: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Resumo Objetivo Analisar e comparar o ambiente da prática profissional de enfermeiros de três hospitais universitários do Brasil e verificar possíveis associações com variáveis sociodemográficas e profissionais. Métodos Estudo multicêntrico, transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 427 enfermeiros de três hospitais universitários das regiões sul e sudeste do Brasil, por meio da aplicação do Nursing Work Index Revised (NWI-R). Para análise dos dados foi utilizada a estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados As médias do NWI-R e suas subescalas das três instituições foram menores que 2,5. A média na subescala "Autonomia" no hospital do Rio Grande do Sul (2,25) é maior quando comparada com a média do hospital de São Paulo (2,01), e a média na subescala "Relações Médico-Enfermeiro" no hospital Rio Grande do Sul (2,30) é maior do que as demais médias (média SP: 1,99 e média SC: 2,09). Conclusão Conclui-se que o ambiente das instituições investigadas é favorável à prática profissional dos enfermeiros, pois tem autonomia, controle sobre o ambiente, boas relações com os médicos e suporte organizacional. A percepção do ambiente de prática está relacionada ao tempo de trabalho e intenção de deixar o emprego.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar y comparar el ambiente de la práctica profesional de enfermeros de tres hospitales universitarios de Brasil y verificar las posibles asociaciones con variables sociodemográficas y profesionales. Métodos Estudio multicéntrico, transversal con abordaje cuantitativo, realizado con 427 enfermeros de tres hospitales universitarios de las regiones sur y sureste de Brasil, por medio de la aplicación del Nursing Work Index Revised (NWI-R). Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados Los promedios del NWI-R y sus subescalas en las tres instituciones fueron inferiores a 2,5. El promedio en la subescala "Autonomía" en el hospital de Rio Grande do Sul (2,25) es más alto cuando comparado con el promedio del hospital de São Paulo (2,01), y el promedio en la subescala "Relaciones Médico-Enfermero" en el hospital Rio Grande do Sul (2,30) es más alto que el de los demás promedios (promedio SP: 1,99 y promedio SC: 2,09). Conclusión Se concluye que el ambiente de las instituciones investigadas es favorable a la práctica profesional de los enfermeros, pues tiene autonomía, control sobre el ambiente, buenas relaciones con los médicos y soporte de la organización. La percepción del ambiente de práctica está relacionada con el tiempo de trabajo y la intención de dejar el trabajo.

Abstract Objective To analyze and compare the professional practice environment of nurses in three university hospitals in Brazil and verify possible associations with sociodemographic and professional variables. Methods Multicenter, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out with a total of 427 nurses from three university hospitals in the south and southeast regions of Brazil, using the Nursing Work Index Revised (NWI-R). For data analysis, we used descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The means of the NWI-R and its subscales of the three institutions were less than 2.5. The mean in the subscale "Autonomy" in the hospital in Rio Grande do Sul (2.25) is higher when compared to the mean in the hospital in Sao Paulo (2.01), and the mean in the subscale "Physician-Nurse Relations" in the hospital in Rio Grande do Sul (2.30) is higher than the other means (SP mean: 1.99 and SC mean: 2.09). Conclusion It is concluded that the environment of the investigated institutions is favorable to the professional practice of nurses, as they have autonomy, control over the environment, good relationships with physicians and organizational support. The perception of the practice environment is related to working time and intention to leave the job.