This qualitative study aimed to understand the strategies of families in the pursuit of health care for children treated in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Semi-structured interviews were held with twelve family caregivers of children attended in PED at a teaching hospital in the period March-June 2013. The data were analyzed based on the premises of content analysis. Results showed that the lack of problem-solving ability of primary care health services increases the demand for emergency care services. Relatives seek the Pediatric Emergency Department as first choice care, weaving alternative networks as a strategy to ensure quality care for their children. The restructuring of health services is recommended, based on the attributes of primary health care, overcoming the current paradigm, focused on the disease and medical consultation with one that considers comprehensive care for children and their family.
Family; Pediatric nursing; Child health