Digital illustration of emergency nurses providing family-centered care in a South African hospital.

Beyond the Bedside: How Emergency Nurses in South Africa are Transforming Family-Centered Care

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Understanding the vital role of emergency nurses in supporting patients and their families during critical moments in KwaZulu-Natal."

In the high-stakes environment of an emergency room, where every second counts, the focus often tends to be on immediate medical needs. However, a crucial element of care, often overlooked, is the well-being of the patient's family. In Durban, South Africa, emergency nurses are at the forefront of a movement to change this, embracing patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) to provide holistic support during some of life's most challenging moments.

This article examines the practices of emergency nurses in the Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, as they navigate the complex landscape of emergency care. It highlights their commitment to PFCC, the challenges they face, and the positive impact this approach has on both patients and their families. This study underscores the nurses' critical role in not only providing medical treatment but also in fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for those in crisis.

The research, conducted among emergency nurses in the Durban area, offers insights into how these healthcare professionals are putting PFCC into practice. This approach recognizes the profound impact of an emergency on families, acknowledging that their involvement and support are essential to the patient's recovery and overall well-being. The findings are particularly relevant in the South African context, where unique challenges, such as high rates of trauma and infectious diseases, add layers of complexity to emergency care.

The Pillars of Patient- and Family-Centered Care: What It Means in Action

Digital illustration of emergency nurses providing family-centered care in a South African hospital.

Patient- and family-centered care is more than just a buzzword; it's a philosophy that fundamentally shifts the focus of healthcare. It's about creating a partnership between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, where the needs, values, and cultural backgrounds of all parties are respected and considered. In the hectic environment of an emergency department, this approach requires nurses to be skilled communicators, compassionate listeners, and advocates for both the patient and the family.

The study revealed that emergency nurses in Durban are embracing PFCC. The nurses recognize the importance of family participation in patient care. The majority reported that they provide timely information to families and possess the necessary skills to support them. This includes:

Providing clear and understandable information about the patient's condition and treatment options.
Encouraging families to be present and involved in the patient's care whenever possible.
Offering emotional support and a safe space for families to express their feelings.
Respecting the family's cultural and personal values.

These practices are not just about being kind; they're about improving patient outcomes. By reducing stress and anxiety, and by fostering a sense of partnership, nurses can create a more positive healing environment. This approach can lead to increased patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes, which are critically important in a setting like the ED, where patients and families are often experiencing a crisis.

The Future of Family-Centered Care in South African Emergency Departments

The dedication of emergency nurses in the Durban area to PFCC is commendable, and their efforts are making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. As healthcare systems evolve, the principles of PFCC will continue to be essential for providing compassionate and effective care. Further research and investment in training and support for emergency nurses can help to ensure that this vital approach continues to flourish, offering hope and healing during the most difficult of times, as well as recognizing the families' needs during that process.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7196/317, Alternate LINK

Title: Patient- And Family-Centred Care Practices Of Emergency Nurses In Emergency Departments In The Durban Area, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Subject: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Journal: Southern African Journal of Critical Care

Publisher: South African Medical Association NPC

Authors: J P B Almaze, J De Beer

Published: 2017-10-11

Everything You Need To Know

What is Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) and why is it important in emergency nursing, particularly in a place like Durban, South Africa?

Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) is a healthcare philosophy that prioritizes creating a partnership between healthcare providers, patients, and their families. It emphasizes respecting the needs, values, and cultural backgrounds of everyone involved. In emergency nursing, particularly in Durban, South Africa, PFCC is vital because it acknowledges the significant impact emergencies have on families. High rates of trauma and infectious diseases add complexity to emergency situations in South Africa, making family support crucial for patient recovery and overall well-being. PFCC aims to reduce stress and anxiety, foster a sense of partnership, and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Further research and investment in training and support for emergency nurses can help to ensure that this vital approach continues to flourish.

How do emergency nurses in Durban put Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) into practice?

Emergency nurses in Durban implement Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) by providing clear and understandable information about the patient's condition and treatment options. They encourage family presence and involvement in care whenever possible, while respecting cultural and personal values. Additionally, they offer emotional support and create a safe space for families to express their feelings. These practices aim to improve patient outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety and fostering a more positive healing environment. Providing timely information to families and possessing the necessary skills to support them are key.

What are some of the challenges that emergency nurses in Durban face when trying to implement Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC)?

While not explicitly detailed, the complexities in Durban, South Africa, imply several challenges to implementing Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC). High rates of trauma and infectious diseases likely strain resources and time. Overcrowding, language barriers, and cultural differences may further complicate communication and family involvement. Additionally, a lack of specific training and support for nurses in PFCC could hinder their ability to effectively address the diverse needs of patients and families in crisis.

How does involving families in emergency care, as emphasized by Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC), potentially improve patient outcomes in Durban?

Involving families in emergency care through Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) can improve patient outcomes by reducing patient and family stress and anxiety, fostering a sense of partnership, and creating a more positive healing environment. Families can provide emotional support, assist with communication, and advocate for the patient's needs, leading to increased patient satisfaction and better adherence to treatment plans. This is particularly important in Durban, where patients may face additional challenges due to trauma, infectious diseases, and socio-economic factors.

What kind of future developments or support systems could further enhance the use of Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) in South African emergency departments, particularly in areas like KwaZulu-Natal?

To further enhance Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) in South African emergency departments, and specifically KwaZulu-Natal, several developments could be beneficial. Increased investment in training programs for emergency nurses, focusing on communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and family support techniques would be valuable. The creation of dedicated family support roles within emergency departments and the establishment of comfortable and private spaces for family consultations could also improve PFCC implementation. Additionally, ongoing research to evaluate the effectiveness of PFCC interventions and adapt them to the specific needs of the South African context would be beneficial. Recognition of families' needs during difficult times should also be considered.