Use of indicator of nursing assistance to base qualification program

Abstract

Descriptive-exploratory study, aiming to propose a program of qualification for the nursing staff, based on an indicator of healthcare quality related to the newborn's skin integrity during a given period of hospital internment. Data from 121 newborns, collected during their stays at a neonatal unit of a university hospital according to the acquired skin injuries, associated risk factors and injury records in files of the nursing assistance system. 230 skin injuries were identified, with the most frequent types being ecchymosis, perineal erythemas, moniliasis, and, in lower amounts, infiltrations, bruises, erosion, fissures, excoriations, abscesses and impetigo. The results served as the base for the elaboration of a qualification program supported on the principles of the collective planning and development of technical-scientific, ethical-political and socio-educational competences. The development of this study made it evident that it is important to apply indicators of quality as one of the tools to evaluate the management of healthcare provision.