Attention and memory of intensive care nurses: repercussions on patient safety

Abstract

The aim was to measure the scores of the cognitive functions of attention and memory of intensive care nurses and to discuss their repercussions on patient safety. Quasi-experimental study using neuropsychological pre and post-tests in 10 intensive care nurses before and after their day shift. We found a reduction in the working memory score after duty (median 26.50 / mean 26.40), before (median 27.00 / mean 28.00), representing a 6% decrease. Considering 10% significance, the unilateral test of working memory was significant (p = 0.06), indicating a decrease in the score after shift in all participants. In the split attention tests (TEADI) after duty (median 167.00 / average 154.40), before (median 106.00 / average 110.40), an increase of 40% on average; alternate attention (TEALT), before duty (median 115.50 / average 109.00), after (median 124.00 / average 119.30), an increase of 9% on average. At 10% significance, bilateral tests were significant (TEADI p = 0.002; TEALT p = 0.009), indicating a difference in the scores before and after the shift. We observed an increase in the nurses' attention scores at the end of the shift, justified by facing problem situations along the journey, raising their attention levels. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the working memory score, associated with the multiple tasks performed and constant processing of new information during the shift, imposing high demands on memory.