Embracement with risk classification in the emergency department from the perspective of older adults

Abstract

Objective: To assess practices of embracement at the patient intake area of the emergency department of Porto Alegre Clinicas Hospital from the perspective of the older adults.Methods: Qualitative investigation using the case study approach with 30 older adults trough semi-structured interview between July by November 2010. Data were assessed by thematic analysis with the Nvivo software suite.Results: Responses focused on wait times and on the role of nurses in patient classification. User embracement practices enhanced the work process and highlighted the direct contact between nurses and users.Conclusions: The care needs of the older adults, the respect for the assessment protocol intervals and work on internal and external network can be improved in order to qualify attention to these patients.