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Tidskrift

Sammanfattning

Relatives should be offered the opportunity to be present in the trauma ward where the patient is received and treated. Based on a systematic literature review and interviews of relatives, the conclusion is that the co- involvement of relatives in the trauma ward during patient care has several advantages. Giving relatives the opportunity to see, touch and talk to the patient has a calming effect on the casualty, and allows the relatives to adjust to the reality of the situation. This has the effect of minimising emotional chaos, so that the mental processing of the situation can begin. Another conclusion is that it makes a big difference for relatives to be received by a nurse, and have the experience of closeness and caring. A follow-up telephone conversation with the same nurse is perceived as meaningful by the relatives. Only few quantitative and qualitative studies have been made on the presence of relatives in trauma units and follow-up by telephone. There is therefore a need for more research in this area in order to obtain evidence for best care delivery practice in relation to relatives in trauma wards, and in next stages of the care pathway, based on the patient’s and relatives’ needs.

MeSH