Needs of Family Caregivers of Patients during Emergency Unit Visits

Abstract

Providing health services from health care providers in the emergency department, If they know the needs of caregivers who wait for patients while receiving services, Information received and understood can lead to the development of service quality to meet the needs of both patients and relatives. This descriptive research aimed to investigate the needs of family caregivers of patients during critical illness in the Emergency Department of a university hospital and tertiary care service in Bangkok.  The sample was 437 primary caregivers and were purposively selected based on the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 2 parts: personal information and a needs assessment form for the primary caregiver. The instrument was validated by three experts, with a content validity index (CVI) of 1. Cronbach's alpha coefficient reliability was .92 and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results revealed that most primary caregivers of the patients visiting the emergency department were female (72.3%), The relationship between the caregivers and the patients was their children. (51.9%), aged between 21-40 years (44.9%). It was found that the average scores for the total needs of primary caregivers were at a moderate level (Mean = 3.43, SD = 0.64). Analysis of needs in each aspect found that needs for confidence and anxiety reduction have the highest mean score and are at a high level (Mean = 3.83, SD = 0.41). The following, the need for information was at a high level (Mean = 3.57, SD = 0.55), and for being close to patients, comfort aspect, support had the average score at the moderate level (Mean = 3.43, SD = 0.64; Mean = 3.25, SD = 0.78; Mean = 3.08, SD = 0.83).

The study results indicate that the 2P safety policy which focuses on patients and health care providers may require expansion to cover family needs. Specifically, a family-centered approach involving closer interaction with primary caregivers is highly recommended. Increasing the duration of visits based on specific criteria and improving communication are key strategies to fulfill greater confidence in health services, prevent emotional impacts, and enhance cooperation with medical treatment and care for patients.