Identifying the Needs of Parents Admitted to the Paediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction The paediatric emergency department (PED) represents a vital entry point into the healthcare system, particularly for children experiencing acute health issues. However, despite playing a pivotal role in the paediatric care process, the experiences and needs of parents accompanying their children during these visits are often overlooked. Understanding these needs is essential for improving the quality of care provided in PEDs. This study aimed to identify the needs of parents of children admitted to the PED and examine how these needs vary according to demographic and experiential factors, including satisfaction with care. Methods This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in the PED of a 700-bed tertiary public hospital in southeastern Turkey. The study population consisted of 406 parents of children admitted to the PED. Data were collected between October 7, 2024, and November 15, 2024, using structured questionnaires, including: (1) a socio-demographic form and, (2) the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory - Emergency Department. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS 22.0 with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Parents rated "family member participation in care" significantly higher than other needs (mean difference = 0.11-0.21, all p < 0.05). This suggests that PED staff should prioritise: (1) involving parents in care decisions, (2) providing real-time updates, and (3) creating opportunities for hands-on participation when clinically appropriate. 'Communication with family members' showed significantly higher mean scores (2.89 +/- 0.75) than both 'comfort' (2.79 +/- 0.78; p = 0.03) and 'supporting family members' (2.80 +/- 0.80; p = 0.02), with small but clinically meaningful effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.31 and 0.29 respectively). This study revealed that 64% of parents were satisfied with the healthcare staff. In addition, 65.3% of parents were satisfied with the communication of the healthcare staff. Moreover, the rate of satisfaction with the information provided by the healthcare staff was 61.8%. The total scores on the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory - Emergency Department were significantly higher among parents who reported being satisfied with the healthcare staff, communication, and information provision (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study suggested that addressing parental needs for family participation in care and communication may enhance parents' experiences in paediatric emergency settings. However, further research is needed to evaluate specific interventions. Clear communication is a fundamental need for families, influencing satisfaction, understanding, and involvement in care.