Wearing identification wristbands: implications for newborn safety in maternity hospitals

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the wearing of identification wristbands in newborns admitted in a public maternity hospital, regarding patient safety. Method: descriptive study, of the survey type, carried out in a reference public maternity hospital, through observations and interviews. Two hundred and sixty newborns were included. Results: 15.4% of the newborns had no identification wristbands, and 18% of the wristbands had data that did not match with the medical records. 90.9% of the wristbands were easily accessible for checking; however, in 80.9% of the cases, the wristband was not checked before the nursing procedures, and the mother or caregiver was not instructed on wearing the wristband in 76.8% of respondents. Conclusion and implications for practice: there should be training of the nursing team and other health professionals on the placement and daily checking of wristbands, considering international protocols and recommendations regarding patient safety.

Adherence of the nursing team to patient safety actions in neonatal units

“…In this study, the authors emphasized that professionals do not have the habit of checking the wrist band information, its neatness and readability, besides not checking this information before performing the nursing procedures, for example, before giving medications (13) . Another study evidenced that even when newborns were using the wrist band, in 80,9% of the observations there was no checking of the identification wristband before the procedures were carried out (14) . incidents with distractions and lack of information (2,8,19) .…”

Judicialization of nursing malpractice in perioperative care, and delivery and birth assistance

“…Daily check the identification bracelets of both the mother and the newborn (21)(22) . Identify the mother and newborn immediately after delivery and confirm with the mother or legal guardian (21)(22) .…”

“…Daily check the identification bracelets of both the mother and the newborn (21)(22) . Identify the mother and newborn immediately after delivery and confirm with the mother or legal guardian (21)(22) . Wear an identification bracelet with at least the mother's name and the newborn's medical record number (21)(22) 8 of Judicialization of nursing malpractice in perioperative care, and delivery and birth assistance Reis GAX, Matsuda LM, Souza VS, Ferreira AMD, Oliveira JLC, Costa MAR, et al…”

Participatory development of educational technology in seeking patient safety in maternity hospitals

“…The theme of patient safety (PS) has gained prominence on the world stage in view of its relevance (1) , being defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the reduction, to an acceptable minimum, of risk or exposure to unnecessary danger in health care scenarios (2) . In maternity hospitals, this theme should be considered as an area of care, due to the peculiarities present in the care of pregnant women, puerperal women and newborns (NB), the diversity of professionals who participate in care, the available technologies and the interventions used (1,3) .…”