This is an exploratory study conducted in a general hospital in the greater Florianopolis in Santa Catarina State, Brazil using a qualitative/quantitative approach. The main objective is to describe the therapeutic route of patients seeking health assistance in an emergency hospital and their justifications for this choice, discussing it primarily from a socio-political and cultural point of view, without the intention to adhere to the theoretical philosophical aspects of these theories. The sample was composed of 35 subjects. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation and medical charts. The data is presented in tables and using testimonials expressed by the subjects which were categorized by theme and discussed based on references that examine the issue. It was found that 82.6% of the subjects did not seek assistance at a Basic Health Unit and that the triage at the emergency hospital was performed by untrained staff. Assistance in emergency wards should be handled systematically and be focused on the user, reassessing and integrating the assistance practices and the work process.
Health systems; Emergency service; Hospital; Triage; User embracement