This exploratory study analyzed the medication preparation and administration process in medical-clinical units at four Brazilian hospitals located in the Southeast, Central-West and Northeast, identified problems that can contribute to the occurrence of medication errors and proposed improvement measures. Data were collected through non-participant and direct observation of nursing professionals' activities during one week. The results revealed the following main problems: the environment in Hospital B; preparation errors related to technique and anticipated medication preparation in C and D; technical, communication and patient identification mistakes in Hospital A. Suggestions to achieve greater quality and safety in patient care include the constitution of a multidisciplinary commission to evaluate the system, nursing discussion groups, environmental improvements, permanent courses and training and actual presence of a nurse during the process.

This study analyzed the causes, types, administrative measures taken and suggestions concerning medication errors according to the perspective of professionals involved with the medication systems in four Brazilian hospitals. It is an exploratory, survey-type, multicentric study. The sample consisted of professionals from the medical clinic and pharmacy in the above-mentioned hospitals. Semistructured interviews were used for data collection. Results showed that the most frequently error types mentioned by the professionals were related to medication ordering/transcription. Lack of attention, individual mistakes and problems in service management were the major causes of errors. Reports were the main measures taken in view of errors, and changes in individual attitudes were the most frequently mentioned form to prevent them.

RESUMEN RESUMEN RESUMEN RESUMEN RESUMENEste informe se refiere a la experiencia de la Junta de Enfermería, Hospital de Sao Paulo (HSP), Universidad Federal de Sao Paulo en el desarrollo y el despliegue de la Terapia Asistida por Animales (TAA), como uno de sus proyectos de humanización del hospital: "Proyecto Amicão". Con la finalidad de ofrecer los pacientes una experiencia positiva que difiere de la rutina del entorno hospitalario, algunas unidades de lo HSP recibió la visita de un animal para los períodos de sesiones de TAA. Los logros entre los pacientes, sus acompañantes y profesionales de la salud fueron positivos, y despertó la atención y el interés de otras instituciones de salud y de los medios de comunicación. Es así de relieve la importancia de comunicar la experiencia del "Proyecto Amicão" en el hospital. Descriptores: Descriptores: Descriptores: Descriptores: Descriptores: Terapia s complementarias; Enfermería; Humanización de la asistencia.

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The objective of this study was to adjust the downsizing of nursing personnel in a teaching hospital to the resolution of Federal Nursing Council no. 293/2004. The classification of patients in levels of complexity care was done and the required time for the nurse care also was verified. The present number of employees was compared to the measured one. The outcomes showed the levels of patients'care complexity is on intermediate care (42%), and the required time to the nurse care was greater on intensive care patients (42%). The present staff has a deficit of 205 nurses and an exceding of 284 professionals of techinical college level.