Keywords
Abstract
Introduction: Trauma is an injury generated by an action external to the body and often generates the need for hospitalization of the subject in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which is an environment that has characteristics that tend to generate psycho-emotional changes in patients and their families. The family is part of the intensive environment, however, it is still commonly disregarded in care plans by health professionals. Objectives: This research aims to understand how the family of a trauma victim experiences admission to this ICU in an emergency hospital and the related emotional aspects. Methodology: This is a qualitative research, using non-probability sampling, Fifteen family members of trauma patients admitted to the ICU of an emergency hospital were interviewed. The data obtained was analyzed using the content analysis technique. Results: The results showed that the ICU presents itself in a discourse marked by ambivalence between the fear of death and the hope for the chance to live and is experienced with fear, anxiety, anguish and hope by family members. Final Considerations: The family should be seen as a secondary patient and be included in the focus of care. The welcoming attitude of the multidisciplinary team and the safety in patient care enable family members to perceive the ICU under a new interface related to care. Discussing this topic is important so that the team better understands the family's experience, resulting in better assistance to family members.