Health Care Providers' Evaluations of Family Presence During Resuscitation☆

Introduction

The benefits of family presence (FP) during resuscitation are well documented in the literature, and it is becoming an accepted practice in many hospitals. There is sufficient evidence about health care provider (HCP) and family attitudes and beliefs about FP and little about the actual outcomes after family witnessed resuscitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate FP at resuscitations.

Methods

A descriptive design was used to collect data at an academic medical center in the western U.S. There were 106 resuscitations during the study period. Family presence was documented on 31 (29%) records. One hundred and seventy-four health care provider names were listed on the resuscitation records, and 40 names (23%) were illegible or incomplete. The convenience sample of 134 HCPs was invited to complete an electronic survey and 65 (49%) responded.

Results

Respondents indicated that family members were able to emotionally tolerate the situation (59%), did not interfere with the care being provided to the patient (88%). In addition, team communication was not negatively affected (88%). A family facilitator was present 70% of the time, and it was usually a registered nurse (41%). Twenty-one narrative comments were summarized to reflect the following themes: 1) family presence is beneficial; 2) family presence is emotional; 3) a family facilitator is necessary.

Discussion

These study findings demonstrate that having families present during resuscitations does not negatively impact patient care, is perceived to benefit family members and that a dedicated family facilitator is an integral part of the process.

Key words: Family presence during resuscitation, Family presence, Family-witnessed resuscitation, CPR, End of life, Outcomes, Family-centered care, Emergency nursing