A UNIDADE DE PRONTO ATENDIMENTO NA PERCEPÇÃO DO ACOMPANHANTE DO PACIENTE: Um estudo em Patos de Minas/MG

The perception that a caregiver has of the healthcare team can directly influence the patient’s hospitalization process. Understanding their role is fundamental in the care relationship established by the team. This study aims to elucidate the perception of caregivers of patients hospitalized in the inpatient wards (male, female, and pediatric) and emergency department of an Emergency Care Unit (UPA) regarding their role and use of the service. For this purpose, 24 caregivers of hospitalized patients were randomly interviewed in a UPA, aged between 18 and 73 years, between August and December 2023. Open-ended questions related to the study objectives were asked, and responses were recorded using smartphone audio devices. Confidentiality and consent were ensured through a free and informed consent form approved by the CEP/UNIPAM (approval number: 6.308.848). Data were analyzed using Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC) and Similarity Analysis (SA) through the Iramuteq® software. Caregivers demonstrated difficulties in managing patients in critical health situations within the hospital environment. This phenomenon is directly influenced by how they perceive and relate to the team and the care itself. There is no coherence between the expectations of the nursing professional’s role and the actual assessment made by the caregiver. Caregivers recognize the need for specialized nursing care and its importance in medication supervision and physical presence. However, every care relationship is marked by emotions and ambivalence, which were also present and noticeable. This study did not address caregivers’ mental health, burden levels, stress, or support networks in care management, thus opening avenues for further research.