[The needs of the critical patients' relatives in the emergency department and how they are met].
BACKGROUND
This study was designed as a definitive study to determine the needs of the critical patient's family and whether or not these needs are met.


METHODS
The study was conducted in the emergency departments (EDs) of a University and a state hospital between February-May 2007 with the families of 353 critical patients. The data was collected by face to face interview technique using the Needs of the Critically Ill Patients' Family Members in Emergency Department Scale and uestionnaires and a personal information form.


RESULTS
It was determined that the patient's family valued their right and need to be informed of the patient's status and take part in their care more than their own personal needs. In a more general perspective, nine of the 10 most frequently stated needs regarded communication. It was also found that the needs to be provided by the ED staff were listed as the most important or important.


CONCLUSIONS
Defining the needs of the family of critical patients in the ED may help raise awareness of the health care providers about this issue, thereby helping to improve the service. Support of patients' relatives in regards to their needs would increase satisfaction of the patients' relatives and the quality of care in the ED.
Akdeniz University Antalya School of Health Surgical Nursing, Antalya, Turkey. gultensucu@akdeniz.edu.tr
Gülten
G
Sucu
Fatma
F
Cebeci
Ebru
E
Karazeybek
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D016638:Critical Illness; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000592:standards*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult