Segurança e controlo de infeção na prestação de cuidados de saúde à pessoa em situação crítica, durante o contexto pandémico da covid-19

Abstract

This report is a representative document of my journey and learning experiences, in the search for specialized knowledge. As part of the Master's in Medical-Surgical Nursing on critical care ill, the internships described above took place in the emergency department and in the infection control committee of a local health unit in Oporto’s district. Currently, health care has been daily challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic effects were indeed disastrous and difficult to overcome. Not only due to its organic impact, translated by the high rates of viral transmissibility and consequent morbidity and mortality, but also due to its social and financial impact which, directly and indirectly, has affected, affects and will affect the international economic system. The competences of the specialist nurse in Medical-Surgical Nursing have never been so impactful, therefore, as in the last year. The fields of care management, infection prevention and control, safety and quality preservation, and safe and conscious communication, especially in the critically ill patient, were undoubtedly the most relevant learning experiences of this course, both as priorities for intervention and in decision-making with critical judgment. The notions of safety explored, for the patient and health professional, in the construction of this report, demonstrated its grotesque dimension in the provision of care. The construction of a safety culture with maturity and responsibility should be based on the commitment of a pattern of skills, attitudes and behaviors (individual and group), involved in the care plans and nursing process. Thus, it is up to the nurse specialist to lead teams with professional pride and mastery, not by evidence of knowing how to do, but by acting as a role model in the constant search for knowing how to know. The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled a new notion of normality, a new reality of demands. The pandemic context of the 21st century has shown us that each and every reality is changeable. The scenario we currently live and know so well came about unexpectedly, but let's learn from it the best and most sensible life lessons.

Date of Award	13 Oct 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Amélia Ferreira (Supervisor)