Complaints filed against nursing professionals.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Bioethics
• Healthcare Professionalism

Background:

• Nurses in Brazil face frequent complaints from colleagues and patients.
• Bioethical dilemmas are common in nursing care delivery.
• Media attention on complaints against nursing professionals is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze complaints filed with the Regional Board of Nursing of Mato Grosso do Sul (COREN-MS).
• To investigate the characteristics of complainants, investigated professionals, and complaint types.
• To understand the nature of nursing practice issues in Midwest Brazil.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, analytical desk research.
• Analysis of 111 complaints received by COREN-MS between 2003 and 2013.
• Data collected on complainant, professional, and complaint characteristics.

Main Results:

• Most complaints were filed by nursing professionals.
• The majority of complaints originated in hospital settings.
• Allegations predominantly targeted nursing technicians and licensed practical nurses.
• Interprofessional relationships, iatrogenic events, and professional liability were leading causes.

Conclusions:

• Breaches in bioethical principles contribute to substandard nursing care.
• Poor quality care negatively impacts the professional image of nurses.
• Findings can inform policy development for nursing education and regulatory bodies to promote responsible care.