Comparison of 3 Methods for Measuring Gastric Tube Length in Newborns: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Incorrectly positioned gastric tubes occur in approximately 60% of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), increasing the risk of potentially serious complications. PURPOSE: To compare 3 methods of determining gastric tube insertion length in infants in the NICU. METHODS: In this randomized triple-blind clinical trial, 179 infants admitted to the NICU were randomized to have their gastric tube insertion length determined by 1 of 3 methods: (1) the nose, earlobe, mid-umbilicus (NEMU) method, (2) a weight-based method, or (3) an age-related height-based (ARHB) method. Positioning of the gastric tube was verified by radiograph. R software was used for analyses. To compare categorical variables, Fisher's exact test, χ 2 tests, and simulated χ 2 tests were used. RESULTS: Overall, infants had a mean gestational age of 35 weeks, 115 (58.8%) were male, and the mean birth weight was 2481.5 g. Upon radiological assessment, 145 gastric tubes (81.3%) were correctly positioned in the gastric body or greater curvature of the stomach with the weight-based method having the highest percentage of correctly positioned gastric tubes (n = 53; 36.6%), followed by the ARHB method (n = 47; 32.4%) and the NEMU method (n = 45; 31.0%). No significant differences were identified between groups ( P = .128). IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Despite the NEMU method being the most commonly used method in clinical practice, the weight-based and ARHB methods to determine gastric tube insertion length may be more accurate.

Influence of Sociodemographic and Occupational Factors on Safety Culture in Neonatal Intensive Care in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety culture is influenced by factors such as professional category, experience, and age. Understanding these factors can inform initiatives to improve safety. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic and occupational characteristics on health professionals' perception of patient safety culture. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 514 health care professionals from Brazilian neonatal intensive care units was conducted using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. RESULTS: Several sociodemographic and occupational characteristics were associated with higher perceptions of safety culture, including older age and having a higher level of education. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic and occupational factors may influence the safety culture in neonatal intensive care units and should be considered when developing and implementing strategies to improve safety.

Content validity of a Safe Nursing Care Checklist for a neonatal unit.

BACKGROUND: Nursing checklists have been shown to improve communication, reduce the occurrence of adverse events, and promote safe, quality care in different care settings. However, to date, there is no validated patient care safety checklist for nurses caring for infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). AIM: To describe development and content validation of the "Safe Nursing Care Checklist for Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit". STUDY DESIGN: Online Survey. METHODS: Based upon an integrative literature review, we developed a checklist focused on safe nursing care for infants in the NICU. Nursing experts participated in three rounds of a content validation process where they rated the items online. An agreement level ≥0.90 was required for inclusion in the checklist. Forty- three expert nurses with experience working in the NICU and who were certified in neonatal nursing or had a master's or doctoratal degree in child health provided content validation of the patient care checklist. RESULTS: The final checklist contained 45 items with content validation index scores greater than 90%. The instrument was structured into six dimensions including patient identification, effective communication, medication safety, infection prevention, fall prevention, and pressure injuries/skin injuries prevention. CONCLUSION: Content validity was established for the "Safe Nursing Care Checklist for Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit" which can identify strengths and weaknesses in safe nursing care for infants in the NICU as well as direct educational interventions to promote nursing care based on scientific evidence. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This checklist can potentially be used by bedside nurses to promote provision of safe care to infants in the NICU and to guide corrective strategies and encourage evidence-based decision-making. Validation in the clinical setting is needed.

Knowledge and Practices for Central Line Infection Prevention Among Brazilian Nurses: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) increases when preventive guidelines are not adhered to. However, studies have generally been quantitative and aimed at determining the effectiveness of CLABSI prevention bundles. Few studies have used a mixed-methods approach to investigate nursing professionals' knowledge and practices regarding CLABSI prevention. PURPOSE: To determine nursing professionals' knowledge and practices regarding CLABSI prevention and identify facilitators and barriers to adherence to CLABSI prevention strategies in a Brazilian neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used. Nursing professionals answered questionnaires regarding knowledge and practices surrounding CLABSI prevention. Semistructured interviews explored barriers nursing professionals face that hinder adherence to CLABSI preventive practices. FINDINGS: Nursing professionals had moderate knowledge regarding CLABSI prevention practices. Daily assessment of the continued need for central venous lines (CVLs), hub disinfection before and after handling, and hand hygiene before handling CVLs were practices less adhered to. Interviews revealed barriers to adherence to preventive practices included lack of adequate equipment, resources for hand hygiene, and inadequate physical structure. Increased education and awareness of safe CVL practices and accountability of the entire healthcare team may improve adherence to CLABSI prevention practices. Results of this study reinforce the importance of considering current nursing practices when developing strategies to increase adherence to CLABSI prevention guidelines. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Providing continuing education may increase adherence to CLABSI prevention strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Research is needed to develop strategies aimed at increasing nursing adherence to CLABSI prevention strategies.

Ultrasound to Verify Gastric Tube Position in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Placement of gastric tubes is commonly performed in infants and children but malpositioning is common and is associated with significant complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review is to identify the evidence on the use of ultrasound to verify correct gastric tube placement in infants and children and gaps in the research. METHODS: This review was performed using CINAHL, PUBMED, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they used an empirical study design, were published in English, included infants or children, and evaluated the use of ultrasound to verify correct gastric tube placement compared to radiograph. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. RESULTS: Four articles were included in the review. Sensitivity estimates were 0.88 to 1.00 and a positive predictive value of 0.99 was reported in one study. Specificity was not reported in any of the included studies. Ultrasound may be an important method to correctly identify gastric tube placement in infants and children with less radiation exposure and cost. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Ultrasound could be a used to verify gastric tube positioning in infants and children for both initial placement and continued verification leading to reduced radiation exposure and cost. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Research should focus on evaluating ultrasound specificity and the clinical feasibility of using ultrasound as a standard practice, including cost and time required to complete the exam, as well as the ability of ultrasound to verify gastric tube placement in infants weighing less than 1500 grams.

Coexistence and prevalence of obstetric interventions: an analysis based on the grade of membership.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric interventions performed during delivery do not reflect improvements in obstetric care. Several practices routinely performed during childbirth, without any scientific evidence or basis - such as Kristeller maneuver, routine episiotomy, and movement or feeding restriction - reflect a disrespectful assistance reality that, unfortunately, remains in place in Brazil. The aims of the current study are to assess the coexistence and prevalence of obstetric interventions in maternity hospitals in Belo Horizonte City, based on the Grade of Membership (GoM) method, as well as to investigate sociodemographic and obstetric factors associated with coexistence profiles generated by it. METHODS: Observational study, based on a cross-sectional design, carried out with data deriving from the study "Nascer em Belo Horizonte: Inquérito sobre o Parto e Nascimento" (Born in Belo Horizonte: Survey on Childbirth and Birth). The herein investigated interventions comprised practices that are clearly useful and should be encouraged; practices that are clearly harmful or ineffective and should be eliminated; and practices that are inappropriately used, in contrast to the ones recommended by the World Health Organization. The analyzed interventions comprised: providing food to parturient women, allowing them to have freedom to move, use of partogram, adopting non-pharmacological methods for pain relief, enema, perineal shaving, lying patients down for delivery, Kristeller maneuver, amniotomy, oxytocin infusion, analgesia and episiotomy. The current study has used GoM to identify the coexistence of the adopted obstetric interventions. Variables such as age, schooling, skin color, primigravida, place-of-delivery financing, number of prenatal consultations, gestational age at delivery, presence of obstetric nurse at delivery time, paid work and presence of companion during delivery were taken into consideration at the time to build patients' profile. RESULTS: Results have highlighted two antagonistic obstetric profiles, namely: profile 1 comprised parturient women who were offered diet, freedom to move, use of partogram, using non-pharmacological methods for pain relief, giving birth in lying position, patients who were not subjected to Kristeller maneuver, episiotomy or amniotomy, women did not receive oxytocin infusion, and analgesia using. Profile 2, in its turn, comprised parturient women who were not offered diet, who were not allowed to have freedom to move, as well as who did not use the partograph or who were subjected to non-pharmacological methods for pain relief. They were subjected to enema, perineal shaving, Kristeller maneuver, amniotomy and oxytocin infusion. In addition, they underwent analgesia and episiotomy. This outcome emphasizes the persistence of an obstetric care model that is not based on scientific evidence. Based on the analysis of factors that influenced the coexistence of obstetric interventions, the presence of obstetric nurses in the healthcare practice has reduced the likelihood of parturient women to belong to profile 2. In addition, childbirth events that took place in public institutions have reduced the likelihood of parturient women to belong to profile 2. CONCLUSION(S): Based on the analysis of factors that influenced the coexistence of obstetric interventions, financing the hospital for childbirth has increased the likelihood of parturient women to belong to profile 2. However, the likelihood of parturient women to belong to profile 2 has decreased when hospitals had an active obstetric nurse at the delivery room. The current study has contributed to discussions about obstetric interventions, as well as to improve childbirth assistance models. In addition, it has emphasized the need of developing strategies focused on adherence to, and implementation of, assistance models based on scientific evidence.

Environmental and individual factors associated with quality of life of adults who underwent bariatric surgery: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic condition associated with genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Understanding the role of the built and social environment in Quality of Life (QOL) is critical to reducing the negative impacts of the environment on health. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the built and social environmental and individual factors that influence the QOL of adults who underwent bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective cohort study conducted with adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Using longitudinal linear regression analysis, we verified the association between the domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life in version bref (WHOQOL-Bref) - General QOL and domains psychological, physical health, social relations and environment - and possible influencing factors. RESULTS: The increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) reduces on average 0.47 points in physical domain assessment score. The increase of healthy establishments within the buffer increases on average 0.52 points in the physical domain score. Being female reduces, on average, 5.35 points in the psychological domain evaluation score. Adults who practiced less than 150 min a week of leisure-time physical activity had a 3.27 point average reduction in the social relations domain assessment score. The increase in the number of Supermarkets and Hypermarkets in the buffer increases on average 2.18 points from the Social Relations domain score. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and contextual factors were associated with the QOL of adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Although the surgery yields positive results, the maintenance of same is strongly related to changes in lifestyle, the built environment and multi-professional guidance.

Perception of nursing and medical professionals on patient safety in neonatal intensive care units. / Segurança do paciente na percepção da enfermagem e medicina em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient safety in the perception of nursing and medical professionals of neonatal intensive care units. METHOD: Exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach, using the instrument Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture for data collection. Twenty-eight nursing and medical professionals of three neonatal intensive care units in the city of Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, participated in the study, from 2013 to 2015. Content thematic analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The following categories emerged: perception and strategies for patient safety; risk factors that interfere with patient safety; challenges in the communication of errors associated with health care. CONCLUSIONS: Patient safety in the perception of professionals reflected the importance of safe care and the identification of risk factors in work conditions, predisposing to errors. Communication of risk situations, development of safety culture, and qualification are of utmost importance.

Adherence to central venous catheter insertion bundle in neonatal and pediatric units. / Adesão ao bundle de inserção de cateter venoso central em unidades neonatais e pediátricas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the observed behavior of professionals in two neonatal and pediatric intensive care units regarding the use of central venous catheter insertion bundle, and the clinical and birth profile of neonates and children who received the devices. METHOD: A quantitative descriptive exploratory study was conducted in two intensive care units of a public hospital in Belo Horizonte with neonates and children, between February and September 2016. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 59 observed implants of central venous catheter. Most patients were male preterm infants, of cesarean delivery and proper weight according to the gestational age. Among all procedures observed, only three followed all recommendations for the central venous catheter insertion bundle. Incorrect techniques were observed while performing surgical antisepsis and inadequate use of chlorhexidine, an antiseptic. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of more investment in continuous training of the team on the prevention of bloodstream infection caused by central venous catheter to reduce the number of adverse events related to intravenous therapy.

Operational Definition of the Concept of Success in Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization in Hospitalized Children.

The objective of this study was to operationally define the concept of success in peripheral intravenous catheterization in children considering the Walker and Avant model. This is a methodological study, carried out through the following steps: concept selection, the definition of the analysis objective, identification of possible uses of the concept, determination of critical or essential attributes, construction of a model and opposite case, and identification of antecedents and consequences. The study was carried out based on a search in international databases from January to March 2021. The sample consisted of 47 studies conducted in 17 countries between 2008 and 2021. Five attributes, 20 antecedents, 10 consequences, and an empirical reference of the studied concept were identified. Also, 2 cases, model and opposite, were elaborated, and an operational definition of the concept was developed. The Walker and Avant method enabled the operationalization of the concept of success of peripheral intravenous catheterization in children based on attributes, antecedents and consequents, and model and opposite cases.

Compliance with central venous catheter infection prevention practices after intervention with simulation.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of an educational intervention based on clinical simulation on nursing professionals' compliance with practices to prevent peripherally inserted central venous catheter-associated primary bloodstream infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: a quasi-experimental study, with preand post-intervention assessment with a single group. The population consisted of 41 nursing professionals, with 31 observations being made before and after the intervention. Analyzes were performed using descriptive statistics and the McNemar non-parametric test. A significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: after the intervention, there was an increase in compliance with prevention practices of surgical antisepsis and professional hand hygiene, skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine, waiting for the time of the effect of alcoholic chlorhexidine and compliance with the sterile technique. CONCLUSIONS: the educational intervention showed an effect on increasing compliance with catheter-associated infection prevention practices.

[Implications of hospital accreditation on the everyday lives of healthcare professionals]. / Implicações do processo de Acreditação Hospitalar no cotidiano de profissionais de saúde.

Hospital accreditation processes should be adopted to achieve the highest standards of healthcare. This process requires behavioral changes and mobilization of professionals in efforts to achieve goals and objectives, in addition to continuous improvement of healthcare. This qualitative case study was performed with the objective of analyzing the implications of hospital accreditation on the everyday lives of healthcare workers in a private hospital in Belo Horizonte. Subjects were 34 healthcare professionals from different sectors of the hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and subjected to content analysis. It was observed that the accreditation process was designed as an opportunity for developing and improving the critical thinking capacity of the subjects involved. However, the requirements imposed by this process may trigger occupational stress and cause work overload.

Involvement of companions in patient safety in pediatric and neonatal units: scope review.

OBJECTIVES: to describe scientific evidence on the involvement of companions in patient safety, from their own perspective and health professionals' perspective in neonatal and pediatric units. METHODS: scoping review carried out according to The Joanna Briggs Institute's recommendations, in eight databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist, between 2011 and 2021. RESULTS: the 13 studies included highlighted the importance of companions' involvement in patient safety and the prevention of adverse events. However, they pointed out failures in communication and weakness in the training of professionals, which were obstacles to their involvement. The strengthening of health education, multidisciplinary rounds and educational technologies were highlighted as strategies to expand the involvement of companions. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: this study directs elements for health professionals and managers to rethink the companions' role in patient safety and development of collective strategies.

Methods for measuring venous peripherally inserted central catheters in newborns.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the results of insertion procedures of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in newborns using two measurement methods. METHODS: this is a randomized clinical trial, presenting descriptive and exploratory results of variables. It was held at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data were collected between September 2018 and 2019. The sample analyzed was 88 catheter insertion procedures, distributed in two groups. Study approved by an Institutional Review Board and obtained registration in the country and abroad. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression of data. RESULTS: modified measurement obtained a significant difference for the central catheter tip location. Elective removals and adverse events were not significant between groups; however, poor positioning was related to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: between the two methods analyzed, the modified measurement obtained better results in the proper catheter tip positioning and, consequently, less risk to patients.

Assessment of newborn pain during arterial puncture: an observational analytical study. / Avaliação de dor do recém-nascido durante punção arterial: estudo observacional analítico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pain intensity during arterial puncture performed in newborns admitted to a neonatal progressive care unit and to evaluate the perception of health professionals regarding neonatal pain. METHODS: This was an observational analytical study in which 62 arterial punctures were performed in 35 neonates. Pain was assessed during collection using the Premature Infant Pain Profile scale. The health professionals responsible for collection evaluated pain using a verbal numerical scale ranging from zero to ten. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Science software. RESULTS: Among the newborns, 30.6% (n = 19) had no pain or mild pain (0 - 6), 24.2% (n = 15) had mild to moderate pain (7 - 11) and 45.2% (28) had severe pain (12 - 21). It was found that health professionals identified pain during the procedure. CONCLUSION: Arterial puncture is considered a painful procedure that can result in mild to severe pain. The adoption of systematic evaluation strategies is necessary to enable appropriate therapeutic intervention.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a intensidade de dor durante a punção arterial realizada em recém-nascidos internados em uma unidade de cuidados progressivos neonatais e avaliar a percepção do profissional em relação à dor neonatal. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional analítico, em que foram observadas 62 punções arteriais realizadas em 35 neonatos. Avaliou-se a dor durante a coleta pela escala Premature Infant Pain Profile. Os profissionais responsáveis pela coleta avaliaram a dor pela escala numérica verbal de zero a dez. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva por meio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Science. RESULTADOS: Entre os recém-nascidos, 30,6% (n = 19) não tiveram dor ou tiveram dor leve (0 - 6), 24,2% (n = 15) apresentaram dor leve a moderada (7 - 11) e 45,2% (28) dor intensa (12 - 21). Constatou-se que os profissionais identificam a dor durante o procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A punção arterial é considerada um procedimento doloroso e pode resultar em dor leve a intensa, sendo necessária a adoção de estratégias sistematizadas de avaliação, possibilitando a intervenção terapêutica adequada.

Adherence of the nursing team to patient safety actions in neonatal units.

OBJECTIVES: to describe the nursing team's adherence to patient safety actions in neonatal units using a validated instrument. METHODS: a cross-sectional study, carried out through direct observation of the nursing team and descriptive analysis of 182 records of the "Checklist for patient safety in nursing care during hospitalization in Neonatal Intensive Care Units" in a hospital in the municipality of Belo Horizonte. RESULTS: there was evidence of adherence greater than 90.0% in the units concerning the use of the identification wristband and guidance of the companions. It was identified 79.0% of absence on the checking of wristband identification and 59.0% of the absence of an evaluation of the crib wheels' locks. Three of the 21 items included in the checklist did not show non-conformities. CONCLUSIONS: partial adherence to patient safety actions was observed, especially regarding the target of patient identification and prevention of falls, which exposes newborns to preventable adverse events.

Patient safety in the prevention and care of skin lesions in newborns: integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the main evidence available in the literature on safe practices in the prevention and care of skin lesions in newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. METHODS: integrative literature review in the PubMed, BDENF, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO and Cochrane Library databases between 2013 and 2018. We included primary articles on: lesion prevention and skin care in newborns in Portuguese, English or Spanish and excluded editorials, thesis, dissertations and duplicate articles. For the evidence level, we used the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt classification, which classifies studies between weak to strong evidence. RESULTS: a total of 10 articles with moderate to weak evidence on thermoregulation, bathing, lesion prevention, use of patches and skin antisepsis. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: there was a shortage of publications with high evidence, and it is necessary to invest in research that seeks to support safer skin care practices.

Central Venous Catheter bundle: professional knowledge and behavior in adult Intensive Care Units. / Bundle de Cateter Venoso Central: conhecimento e comportamento de profissionais em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva adulto.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge and behavior of professionals in Intensive Care Units regarding the actions recommended in the bundle on preventing central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection. METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study, conducted in three Intensive Care Units. The data were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire applied to health professionals. The software R 3.3.1 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Two-hundred and ninety-two professionals participated. Regarding knowledge, the hand hygiene item presented a higher level both for the insertion (92.46%) and maintenance (97.27%) moments. Usage of chlorhexidine as an antiseptic, followed by alcohol (47.94%) and providing a date for hub or connectors (19.87%) were the least known items. As for behavior, the professionals reported: using always the correct attire for catheter insertion (84.25%), never waiting for the antiseptic to dry before catheter insertion (25.34%) and never cleaning hub or connectors with 70% alcohol (23.86%). CONCLUSION: Results show that the professionals' knowledge and behavior regarding the central venous catheter bundle present deficiencies, revealing the importance of promoting training programs for this knowledge domain.

Ludic strategy for promoting engagement of parents and caregivers in the safety of pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a ludic strategy developed to promote the engagement of parents and caregivers in the pediatric patient safety actions. METHOD: A qualitative research developed in the action-research modality, using the thematic content analysis method for data treatment, developed with caregivers of children admitted to the pediatric unit of the public hospital of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, between May and October 2018. RESULTS: Three thematic categories emerged: Learning about patient safety through the game; Game evaluation as a ludic strategy in promoting patient safety and; Change of perception and behavior of parents and caregivers in safety promotion actions. CONCLUSION: The game was deemed as an important tool for patient safety knowledge transfer, motivating parents and caregivers to become more critical and more co-participant as for the hospitalized child care.

Culture of patient safety in hospital units of gynecology and obstetrics: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the patient safety culture of the health team working in three maternity hospitals. METHODS: observational, cross-sectional, comparative study. 301 professionals participated in the study. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire validated in Brazil was used. For data analysis, it was considered a strong area in the patient safety culture when positive responses reached over 75%; and areas that need improvement when positive responses have reached less than 50%. To compare the results, standard deviation and thumb rule were used. RESULTS: of the 12 dimensions of patient safety culture, none obtained a score above 75%, with nine dimensions scoring between 19% and 43% and three dimensions between 55% and 57%. CONCLUSIONS: no strong dimensions for safety culture were identified in the three maternity hospitals. It is believed that these results may contribute to the development of policies that promote a culture of safety in institutions.