Patient Safety in pandemic times: A reflection based on the care quality attributes

Abstract

Objective to discuss patient safety based on a theoretical approach and on the health quality attributes in the context of the new coronavirus pandemic. Method a reflection developed based on the structural, particular and singular dimensions contained in the Theory of Practical Intervention of Collective Health Nursing and in the Donabedian health quality attributes, as well as on the Program for Performance Evaluation of Health Services. Results the drastic and sudden changes in the health care scenario caused by the pandemic constitute an additional risk to the provision of safe care. This can be evidenced through non-compliance with the adequacy, safety, access/opportunity, equality and effectiveness attributes. Conclusion and implications for the practice the current pandemic context represented a serious threat to care quality and patient safety. The challenge is for us to rethink the consolidation of good health practices, based on investment in safe organizations, considering the health care quality attributes/domains. As well as to contribute to the reflection on responsible management of the health services based on scientific knowledge, and on the importance of persisting in strengthening the SUS, as a strategy for implementing the care quality attributes.