PRÁTICAS DE IDENTIFICAÇÃO DO PACIENTE EM UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA PEDIÁTRICA

Objective: to investigate patient identification practices in a pediatric intensive care unit. Method: a cross-sectional study was carried out in three public hospitals in the South of Brazil. Data collection (identifying items) was performed in 2015, through non-participant observation and consultation of the medical records. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: of the 96 patients observed, 94 (98%) had an identification nameplate next to the bed. No identification wristbands were used. The identification nameplates included the child’s name (95%), age (31%) and the name of the person responsible (78%). Of those identified by name (n=89), 62 (70%) were complete. In the medical prescription and nursing record there were deficiencies in the registration of the full name, date of birth and names of the parents. Conclusion: despite the wide range of resources, there was a deficiency in the systematization of patient identification, affecting (un)safe care.