Management practices for quality improvement, adverse events reduction and patient safety

Abstract

Objective: To identify, in scientific literature, management practices for quality improvement and patient safety that contribute to the reduction of adverse events in healthcare institutions. Methods: This is an integrative literature review. The databases BVS, SciELO, and PubMed were used, with the descriptors “patient safety,” “quality management in healthcare,” “adverse events,” and “harm reduction,” combined using Boolean operators. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, and available in full text, were included. Data were analyzed through narrative synthesis and categorization of findings. Results: The review indicated that management practices such as audits, adverse event reporting systems, continuing education, safety culture, and effective leadership are effective in reducing care failures. The studies highlight the importance of communication, institutional support, and nursing team engagement. Final considerations: The implementation of management practices significantly contributes to patient safety and the quality of care, emphasizing the need to strengthen institutional policies and continuous professional development.