Relatives of hospitalized adult patients: their participation in the nursing care process

Abstract

This paper aims at unveiling the participation of relatives in the care process of hospitalized adult patients. It is about a qualitative exploratory and descriptive research with data collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 relatives of hospitalized patients in a surgical unit. The content analysis of the interviews has evidenced three categories: participation of relatives in the care; relation of the relatives with the nursing staff; and feelings of the relative regarding his/her role as caregiver. It has been noticed that most of the relatives take part in the care process, carrying out a series of activities with his/her loved one by interacting with the nursing staff.