Perception of the multidisciplinary team and the patient's family companion regarding their presence during emergency room care.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the perceptions of family companions and the professional team regarding the presence of a family member during emergency and urgent care at a tertiary pediatric hospital.

METHODS

This exploratory, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital that mandated the presence of companions in the emergency room during emergency care and/or procedures. The researcher conducted interviews after emergency care and administered questionnaires to the participants.

RESULTS

Ninety-five emergency room visits were selected, resulting in 92 interviews with companions and 148 interviews with multidisciplinary team members. Of the companions, 71% were unaware of the legislation regarding their presence. Despite their lack of knowledge, 90.2% insisted on accompanying the patient. Of the multidisciplinary team members, 37% were unaware that the patient could be accompanied to the emergency room, and 2% reported not allowing a companion in the emergency room. Nevertheless, 87% of the team agreed that the companion comforted the patient during care in the emergency room.

CONCLUSION

Results from both companions and health professionals perceive the companion's presence during emergency room care as positive, making it necessary to implement care protocols that supports a companion's presence during pediatric care.