Interruptions of nurses' activities and patient safety: an integrative literature review

Authors

  • Cintia Monteiro Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Escola Paulista de Enfermagem; Universidade Federal de São Paulo
  • Ariane Ferreira Machado Avelar Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Escola Paulista de Enfermagem; Universidade Federal de São Paulo
  • Mavilde da Luz Gonçalves Pedreira Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Escola Paulista de Enfermagem; Universidade Federal de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-1169.0251.2539

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: to identify characteristics related to the interruption of nurses in professional practice, as well as to assess the implications of interruptions for patient safety. METHOD: integrative literature review. The following databases were searched: Pubmed/Medline, LILACS, SciELO and Cochrane Library, using the descriptors interruptions and patient safety. An initial date was not established, but the final date was December 31, 2013. A total of 29 papers met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: all the papers included describe interruptions as a harmful factor for patient safety. Data analysis revealed three relevant categories: characteristics of interruptions, implications for patient safety, and interventions to minimize interruptions. CONCLUSION: interruptions favor the occurrence of errors in the health field. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to understand such a phenomenon and its effects on clinical practice.

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Published

2015-02-01

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Review Article

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 Authors are fully responsible for the concepts disseminated in their manuscripts, which do not necessarily reflect the editors’ and editorial board’s opinion.

 

How to Cite

Interruptions of nurses’ activities and patient safety: an integrative literature review . (2015). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 23(1), 169-179. https://doi.org/10.1590/0104-1169.0251.2539