Patient safety incidents reported by relatives of hospitalized children.

Objective: To know the main safety incidents reported by relatives of patients hospitalized in pediatric units.

Methods: This is a qualitative research with exploratory-descriptive design. Data were collected between April 2016 and December 2017, in three hospitals in Porto Alegre/RS. A total of 91 semi-structured interviews were conducted with relatives of pediatric patients hospitalized in emergencies, infirmaries, and intensive care centers. The statements were transcribed in full and submitted to a thematic content analysis.

Results: The category Identification of safety incidents by relatives of hospitalized pediatric patients was formulated. Eight subtopics emerged: drug therapy, hand and environment hygiene, diet therapy, risk of falls, communication, patient identification, care processes/procedures and access to the institution.

Conclusions: The family identified safety incidents in various stages of care for hospitalized children. It is necessary to think about strategies that integrate the family in the care of children, to minimize risks and complications resulting from care.