ASSESSMENT OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS' PERCEPTIONS REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SAFE IDENTIFICATION PROTOCOL FOR NEONATAL SEPSIS IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS, FOCUSING ON QUALITY OF CARE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/5dd1ga32Keywords:
Neonatal Sepsis; Pediatric Patient Safety; Neonatal Intensive Care Units; Antimicrobial Resistance.Abstract
Objective: To investigate how the application of safe identification protocols in neonatal sepsis acts as a catalyst for patient safety, raising the standard of care and mitigating the risks of bacterial resistance in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Methodology: Integrative literature review based on the Whittemore and Knafl framework, searching databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and BVS) for articles published between 2021 and 2026. The final sample consisted of 15 studies analyzed via Thematic Content Analysis. Results: The implementation of structured protocols reduces the "door time" for antibiotic therapy and decreases clinical variability. However, barriers such as workload overload, staff turnover, and cultural resistance limit full adherence. The positive perception of professionals correlates with the strengthening of the safety culture and antimicrobial stewardship, allowing for safe therapeutic de-escalation. Final Considerations: The perception of professionals is the foundation for the effectiveness of safety guidelines. It is concluded that investment in participatory governance and technological support is imperative to optimize early diagnosis and contain bacterial resistance in neonatology.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nathálya Menezes de Menezes Ferreira , Pedro Fechine Honorato, Helena dos Santos Reis , Wyrna Freire Carvalho , Gabriel da Silva , Carolina Albuquerque de Sousa , Laís Kelly Aguiar Costa , Bruno Costa Nascimento , Maria Eduarda Castro Queiroz , Iaci Gama Fortes

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