Perception of nurses about patient safety in intensive care units

To understand the perception of nursing professionals in public hospital intensive therapy units regarding patient safety.

This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Eighty nursing professionals who developed welfare activities in general intensive care units in Northeastern Brazil participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, from May to June 2014. The textual content was submitted to the lexicographical textual analysis, and data analysis was based on the literature.

Four classes were analyzed: need for change; actions before an adverse event; concepts of safe care; and actions that integrate safe care. It was revealed that patient safety is a consequence of the culture adopted by professionals.

Professionals understand patient safety as a set of strategies that minimize the risk of adverse events.