Meanings attributed by family and patients to family presence in emergency rooms

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the process that leads adult and family patients to support family presence in emergency care. Method: a qualitative study that adopted Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical reference and the Grounded Theory as a methodological framework. The theoretical sample consisted of 15 relatives and 15 patients assisted at two emergency units in the South of Brazil. Data were analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. Results: the central category “Convergence of ideas: family members and patients supporting family presence in emergency care” is supported by the categories: “Affectionate relationship among family members”; “Tacit obligation to care for the sick relative”; “Benefits for the family”; “Benefits for the patient”; and “Benefits for the health team”. Conclusion: family presence in emergency care provides maintenance and strengthening of affectionate bonds among relatives and the experience of more sensitive and qualified care.

摘要 研究目的：旨在探明促使成年患者及家属支持急诊诊疗中家属在场的相关过程。研究方法：本研究为质性研究，以符号互动论（Symbolic Interactionism）作为理论参照框架，以扎根理论（Grounded Theory）作为方法论基础。理论样本涵盖巴西南部两家急诊科室收治的15名家属与15名患者。研究数据采用开放编码、主轴编码与选择性编码开展分析。研究结果：核心范畴为“理念共识：家属与患者支持急诊诊疗中的家属在场”，其支撑范畴包括“家属间的亲密联结”、“照护患病亲属的默示义务”、“家属获益”、“患者获益”以及“医护团队获益”。研究结论：急诊诊疗中允许家属在场，有助于维系并强化家属间的情感纽带，同时使患者获得更具人文关怀与专业水准的诊疗体验。