[Improving care for transitional-stage clients in the emergency department: a family-centered approach]

The focus of emergency departments on resolving immediate threats to patient survival and wellbeing distinguishes their services from those provided by all other hospital departments. The high-pressure environment in the emergency department is a source of significant stress for patients and their families, with some experiencing serious physical and mental impacts that result in high tension, acute stress, anxiety, and other mental and physical reactions. The concepts of family-centered care and transition theory have been shown to help promote a sense of wellbeing and adjustment to unfamiliar experiences. Therefore, these concepts may be applied to help facilitate the successful transition of patients and their families to the emergency department and thus help maintain normal family functions during the transition from the emergency department to other departments.