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This study addresses the relationship between two key elements in satisfaction with pediatric emergency services, namely emotional disturbance and family interaction. The main goal is to determine whether family cohesion and adaptability and anger may be associated with differential levels of satisfaction among parents whose children were attended in pediatric emergency units. It is a descriptive study for which a sample of 711 parents whose children were attended in 6 pediatric emergency services was studied. The Spanish version of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (Staxi-2), the Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Scale and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (Faces) were used respectively. Data analysis included a Spearman bivariate correlations analysis, Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney test and path-analysis using a structural equations model. The results support the hypothesis that higher levels of family cohesion and adaptability as well as lower levels of anger are associated with higher levels of satisfaction among parents.

Objectives: To assess the level of anxiety in the parents of children treated in hospital emergency departments in Andalusia and its association with dimensions of family functioning., Material and Methods: Descriptive observational study based on a cross-sectional survey. We recruited a convenience sample of parents bringing children to 6 pediatric emergency services in the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia in 2012. The variables recorded were place of origin, educational level, anxiety level on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and family functioning according to the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, version 2., Results: A total of 637 parents were included. Their mean (SD) age was 35.4 (8.4) years; 399 (62.6%) were women. The mean anxiety score was 44.26 (10.15), and we found no differences between mothers and fathers. Lower anxiety levels were associated with higher levels of family cohesion (r = -0.37; P < .001) and adaptability (r = -0.36; P < .001)., Conclusion: The parents of children attended in pediatric emergency departments in Andalusia have high levels of anxiety. Anxiety is inversely associated with family adaptability and cohesion.

Objective: There has been an increase in paediatric hospital attention being provided for Latin-American immigrant patients in Spain during the recent years. This work was aimed at ascertaining professionals' opinion regarding this population's specific and differential needs concerning Latin-American immigrant children being hospitalised., Methods: The study consisted of a qualitative, phenomenological type of investigation, based on semi-structured interviews of key informers in Andalusia (Spain). The subjects of the study were professionals from paediatric services in hospital centres in Andalusia., Results: One of the most prominent (positive) results revealed that the Latin-American immigrant population presented less difficulties regarding hospital functioning when compared to other immigrant groups., Conclusions: The psychological aspects which had most impact on paediatric hospitalisation would be emotional alterations, such as the presence of anxiety and stress, or other aspects, like a lack of trust when being hospitalised.