Quality of maternal-child health care at a University Hospital , according to the nurses' perspective

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the quality of health care at the Maternal-Child Division of a Hospital of University of São Paulo, based on the Donabedian model. Data collection was performed in August of the year 2006, using a questionnaire that was answered by 55 subjects. Data analysis was performed by means of percentage rates and specific tests. A Cronbach's Alpha of 0.71 was found for the instrument, thus showing reliability. As for structure, 98.2% of nurses considered the emergency car location appropriate, and 63.6% reported difficulties in participating in educational activities. As for process, 96.4% consider that the SAE is an instrument that improves quality, and 72.7% stated having communication difficulties with health care professionals. As for the results, 72.7% reported that the nursing prescription meets the users' needs. Structure was the aspect with the worst score, a mean of 38.5. This study supports actions to improve quality in the three domains, particularly structure.