A presença de idosos num serviço de emergência: campo de saúde ou campo de guerra? / The presence of elderly in the emergency department: the health field or battlefield?
This study aimed to investigate the healthneeds of older people and the configuration of work process in order to provide them, in an emergency service. A qualitative, descriptive research was conducted, with semi-structured interviews and focus groups (applying the talking-map strategy). Relatives and health care providers highlighted the needs for care, privacy, affection and access to health services, and that their work conditions, though adverse, and a greater time of stay, seek to respond to the healthneeds of older people.(AU)