Social support received by the family of older patients in emergency department: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Poor social support provided within health care settings may reduce patients’ ability to manage disease. The presence of family members in emergency department (ED) may reduce the patient’s need for health care and social services utilization. The aim of the study was to describe the social support received by family in the ED. A cross-sectional empirical study design was used. Convenience sample of 111 family members of home discharged older patients and of 93 nurses were recruited. The study was conducted at four Estonian hospitals. Data were collected by using social support scale of the Family Functioning, Health and Social Support (FAFHES). Family members and nurses both considered the social support available in EDs to be moderate. Nurses believed they provided higher levels of social support than the family members stated the family received. The differences were statistically significant. The older a nurse was, the less reinforcement, feedback, and affecting others for finding solutions was offered. A greater number of nurses working in the ED resulted in less social support. This study found differences of views between family members of older patients and nurses regarding the level of social support of the family. Nursing care provided in ED should be developed to be more supportive. To ensure more family-centred approach when providing nursing care, the administrative staff needs to consider whether an adequate number of nurses are working in the ED. The social support scale used was found to be applicable in ED environments.