Background:

Healthcare delivered to users must be based on the premises of quality and safety. Failure to comply leads to adverse events understood as illness or harm.

Objective:

To identify nurses’ perspectives on iatrogenic events in medical-surgical nursing care.

Methodology:

Qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with a focus group of nurses.

Results:

Nurses associate iatrogenic events in nursing with patient harm resulting from nursing activities carried out under their responsibility. The most common nursing iatrogenic events reported were falls and fractures, drug therapy-related adverse effects, and inappropriate use of medical devices. Poor working conditions were pointed out as a potentiating factor. The following strategies were listed to minimize iatrogenic events: continuing education, good communication and leadership, implementation and protocols adherence.

Conclusion:

According to the sample’s perspective, iatrogenic events are a reality whose potentiating factors are in line with those described in the literature. Continuing education in this area is recognized as essential for prevention.

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