Objective:To learn the opinion of health professionals regarding the presence of family
during pediatric emergency care.Methods:Cross-sectional study, performed with 46 health professionals, members of the
medical and nursing team of a pediatric emergency service. The data were collected
via the application of a questionnaire composed by variables related to the
opinion of professionals about the studied subject, in line with the professional
category and the vocational training time, as well as invasive procedures during
which the presence of family is authorized by the professionals.Results:The medical staff and the professionals with shorter time after graduation (<10
years) were more favorable to the presence of family during emergency procedures.
Regarding the complexity of the procedures, the nursing staff proved more
favorable to the presence of family during less complex procedures - peripheral
venous puncture and fluid sample - whereas the consent of the medical staff was
similar, regardless the performed procedure - peripheral venous puncture, fluid
sample, intraosseous puncture, tracheal intubation and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation.Conclusions:In order to allow the presence of family in the emergency room, it is necessary to
sensitize health professionals, especially the nursing staff and the longer-term
acting professionals, which are more resistant to allow the family to stay with
the child during the emergency care.