Family Presence during Emergency Care: Perception of the Patient who is a Trauma Victim

Abstract

Objective: Understand how patients who are trauma victims perceive the presence of family members during emergency care. Methods: This is a qualitative descriptive study conducted with 29 patients who were admitted to an emergency care unit in southern Brazil. The data were collected in October 2013, through open interviews, and subject to thematic content analysis. Results: The trauma patients in the sample perceive the presence of family members during emergency care as positive and desirable. They believe their relatives also want to be present in such situations. The main motivation for wanting family members to be in the emergency room is the possibility of the confidence and comfort their presence provides to the patient. It is also reassuring for the family, insofar as being in the emergency room allows them to be present while care is being administered and to obtain more information about the patient’s the clinical status and progress. Conclusion: Health care professionals working in emergency units should consider integrating the family into the venue where care is provided to trauma victims, since patients regard this practice as beneficial for themselves and their families.