Emergency Room Culture and the Emotional Support Component of Family-Centered Care

This exploratory study examines the role played by organizational culture in the emphasis that emergency room staff place on the emotional support component of Family-Centered Care. The study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to study differences among 4 emergency room (ER) cultures. Both methods identify significant differences among ER cultures in the emphasis placed on providing emotional support to families. In addition, the differences in culture parallel differences in organizational climate that affect staff attitudes toward ER work. The findings provide evidence that ER culture is a key factor in determining emergency health care provider practices and attitudes related to Family-Centered Care.