Abstract

LEITE, Kauane Linassi; YOSHII, Tatiane Pedroso  and  LANGARO, Fabíola. Psychology's view on the emotional needs of patients in a general hospital emergency care unit. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2018, vol.21, n.2, pp.145-166. ISSN 1516-0858.

Emergency Care is the doorway for patients affected by accidents or unexpected illnesses. Being in such an environment and facing an illness can lead subjects to display emotional needs due to their suffering experience, which may require attention from health teams. This research aimed to understand the emotional needs of patients hospitalized at emergency care units and consider the possibilities for the practice of Psychology in this field. A qualitative research was developed through a semi-structured interview. Data were grouped into content analysis categories, based on the emotional needs presented by participants: emotional needs due to hospitalization, prior to hospitalization, and potential causes of physical illness. Regarding the first category, feelings of anxiety due to waiting for procedures and diagnoses, being away from daily activities, and fear of prognosis were found. With regard to the demands prior to hospitalization, preexisting family conflicts and grief were observed. Finally, there were cases in which patients displayed a close link between emotional distress and organic illness. Data confirm the importance of comprehensive care for hospitalized subjects, considering the need for emotional care observed in participants, and indicate that psychological interventions contribute to Emergency Care.

Keywords : hospital psychology; demand; emergency care unit.

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