ABSTRACT
Qualitative study, with worth comprehensive approach aimed at understanding the actions of companions that can affect the safety of hospitalized patients. The study was conducted in a public hospital in Bahia, from May to July 2014 with 16 families of patients dependent for self-care. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The content was analyzed and discussed using a comprehensive approach. The results showed that the companions care for their relatives and are knowledgeable on infection prevention, the safe use of medication and materials, adopt measures to prevent pressure ulcers and seek to establish an assertive interaction with the nursing team. It was concluded that the actions taken by the companions are aimed at patient safety and established through the emotional environment based on open rationality.
DESCRIPTORS:
Patient safety; Family nursing; Hospitalization; Nursing care.