Spaces of Hospitality and Human Connection: An Ethnographic Analysis of the Social and Emotional Dynamics in a Pediatric Waiting Room

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate social and emotional dynamics within a pediatric waiting room at UPA Dr. Thelmo de Almeida Cruz, located in Jacareí, São Paulo, Brazil. Through a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research aims to uncover the interactions and experiences shaped by the concepts of “comunitesque,” liminality, and liminoid, as explored in the works of Lugosi and Turner. The pediatric waiting room, a space teeming with children and their families awaiting care, serves as a microcosm for examining the broader implications of healthcare environments on patient and family well-being. By focusing on the nuances of human connections and the atmosphere within these settings, the study seeks to contribute to the development of more welcoming, humanized, and holistic healthcare practices. The findings underscore the significance of nurturing spaces that facilitate genuine human connections, highlighting their fundamental role in promoting health and well-being in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.