OBJECTIVES:
Record patients' verbal and nonverbal expressions and behavior when they were unaccompanied, and later when a family companion was present and comparatively analyze the alterations in patient behavior observed during these periods of hospitalization.
METHOD:
The study was conducted at the intensive care unit of a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, which accepts patients from the Brazilian unified health system (SUS). A qualitative approach was taken, involving free observation and daily record keeping in field diaries of five patients' behavior during three consecutive days. We prioritized the observation of patients on the first day of hospitalization and subsequently when they had continuous family companionship for three consecutive days.
RESULTS:
The family companion served as a stimulus for positive changes in the patients' verbal and nonverbal reactions, from of a lack of speech and movement and general passivity, to reactions that showed an acceptance of procedures, increased kinetic communication and greater participation in care.
Nursing; Behavior; Intensive Care Unit