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.