Patient safety in intravenous therapy in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: to identify the scientific evidence on Patient Safety (PS) in intravenous therapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Method: integrative review conducted in the Theses Database Higher Education Personnel Improvement Coordination (CAPES) and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Quality of Care and Patient Safety (PROQUALIS) portal. Results: there were 21 productions, seven studies cited to intravenous therapy. The studies, categorized into levels of evidence 1, 2 and 7, include structural, materials and professional performance of the steps of prescription, dispensing, preparation and administration of medications aspects. The productions have low levels of evidence, and therefore do not exhibit strong degree of recommendation. Conclusion: it is believed that the establishment and maintenance of PS in intravenous therapy in ICU greater investment is needed in research with higher levels of evidence and professional preparation to act as the recommended practices.