Family witnessed resuscitation - experience and attitudes of German intensive care nurses

Family attendance during critical illness episodes: Reflection on practices in Arabic and Muslim contexts

It is common practice in healthcare systems in the Arabic region to exclude relatives when patients receive treatment for critical emergent incidents or illnesses. This exclusion is despite family members' wishes for proximity and cultural and religious values that mean being with unwell people is considered a form of worship or religious act. The marked lack of implementation of relatives' wishes in this regard is coupled with a paucity of relevant policies, guidelines, and research, despite patient populations in these countries being traditional in nature, religious, and having strong connections within their families and extended social units. The present authors reflected on this concern and advocated for increased attention to the needs and rights of critically ill patients and their families to support better quality, holistic care, especially during critical illness incidents. Healthcare professionals should consider allowing families to be present with their patients in such circumstances and appreciate the importance of family presence, despite the acknowledged challenges. The recommendations presented in this reflection may support the implementation of effective, holistic healthcare services in these countries. This reflection is also relevant to any context where care for Arabic or Muslim patients is provided.

Family presence during patient acute deterioration: A survey of nurses' attitudes and reflection on COVID-19 in an African setting

Introduction

Acute deterioration refers to a patient who has become physiologically unstable requiring acute care. Family presence during resuscitation efforts has been widely supported by literature. Nurses are often the primary contact for the families of patients in the emergency centre, playing an important role in facilitating family presence during acute care. To describe nurses’ attitudes regarding family presence during the management of acutely deteriorating patients in the emergency centre.

Methods

A descriptive quantitative study was conducted in the emergency centres of three public hospitals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A total sample of professional nurses (n = 57) were recruited, to complete the Emergency Department Family Presence (EDFP) survey. Statements about the negative effects of family presence during acute care of a deteriorating patient were presented and respondents were required to agree or disagree. Data were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The majority of the nurses agreed with the items in the EDFP survey agreeing that present relatives may misinterpret activities of health care professionals (92.8%) which can result in complaints about the quality of care (91.1%). Nurses with more years of experience (11–21 years) were more likely to disagree with the statements on family presence having negative effects on patient care than nurses with fewer years of experience (0–10 years) (OR:6.92; 95%CI: 1.29–37.28).

Discussion

Nurses have the perception that family presence has a largely negative effect on patients, patient care and the families present during acute care. The contextual application of the practice of family presence during acute deterioration in an African setting needs investigation and the need for continued professional education on family centred care is emphasised. Alternative methods of facilitating family presence during the COVID-19 Pandemic must be considered as we advocate for the self determination of families and patients.

Witnessed resuscitation of adult and paediatric hospital patients: An umbrella review of the evidence

OBJECTIVE

To examine the research evidence about whether families were allowed to witness cardiopulmonary resuscitation on hospitalised adult and paediatric patients; and the views of patients, families and health professionals, about witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

DESIGN

An umbrella review methodology of systematic reviews with sufficient methodological quality.

REVIEW METHODS

Papers published in Spanish and English between, 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018 were considered. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, Embase, the Central Supplier Database and the Joanna Briggs Institute, Evidence-based Practice Database. Two independent reviewers assessed the papers for methodological quality employing instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Critical appraisal, extraction and synthesis were carried out, employing the established methods for umbrella reviews and the protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number CRD42019145610).

RESULTS

The search identified 12 systematic reviews with moderate-to-high quality, which covered 110 original papers. Habitually, health professionals expressed controversial views and showed some reluctance to let families be present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In contrast, family members felt strongly that they should be present and patients agreed. Key factors that facilitated witnessed cardiopulmonary were a formal institutional policy, educating health professionals, and designating a health professional to support the family. Educational and cultural backgrounds influenced healthcare professionals' experiences and their attitudes towards witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In general, Anglo-Saxon countries showed greater support for this practice. These included the United States, which was the country that dominated the literature on this subject.

CONCLUSIONS

The best available evidence supports allowing the family to be present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is necessary to include this practice in educational curricula and to train emergency personnel in its implementation. Culturally sensitive policies need to be designed, and the public to be aware of their right to be present.

Bedside ultrasound in cardiac standstill: a clinical review

Patients with cardiac arrest present as a relatively frequent occurrence in the Emergency Department. Despite the advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest, managing the condition remains a stressful endeavor and currently implemented interventions, while beneficial, are still associated with a disappointingly low survivability. The majority of modern Advanced Life Support algorithms employ a standardized approach to best resuscitate the 'crashed' patient. However, management during resuscitation often encourages a 'one-size-fits-all' policy for most patients, with lesser attention drawn towards causality of the disease and factors that could alter resuscitative care. Life support providers are also often challenged by the limited bedside predictors of survival to guide the course and duration of resuscitation. Over the recent decades, point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) has been gradually proving itself as a useful adjunct that could potentially bridge the gap in the recognition and evaluation of precipitants and end-points in resuscitation, thereby facilitating an improved approach to resuscitation of the arrested patient. Point-of-care ultrasound applications in the critical care field have tremendously evolved over the past four decades. Today, bedside ultrasound is a fundamental tool that is quick, safe, inexpensive and reproducible. Not only can it provide the physician with critical information on reversible causes of arrest, but it can also be used to predict survival. Of note is its utility in predicting worse survival outcomes in patients with cardiac standstill, i.e., no cardiac activity witnessed with ultrasound. Unfortunately, despite the increasing evidence surrounding ultrasound use in arrest, bedside ultrasound is still largely underutilized during the resuscitation process. This article reviews the current literature on cardiac standstill and the application of bedside ultrasound in cardiac arrests.

Family presence during resuscitation: A narrative review of the practices and views of critical care nurses

BACKGROUND

The option of family presence during resuscitation was first presented in the late 1980s. Discussion and debate about the pros and cons of this practice has led to an abundant body of international research.

AIM

To determine critical care nurses' experiences of, and support for family presence during adult and paediatric resuscitation and their views on the positive and negative effects of this practice.

METHODS

A narrative literature review of primary research published 2005 onwards. The search strategy comprised an electronic search of three bibliographic databases, supplemented by exploration of a web-based search engine and hand-searching.

RESULTS

Twelve studies formed the review. Research primarily originated from Europe. The findings were obtained from a moderately small number of nurses, and their views were mostly based on conjecture. Among the factors influencing family presence during resuscitation were dominant concerns about harmful effects. There was a noticeable absence of compliance with recommended guidelines for practice, and the provision of a unit protocol or policy to assist decision-making.

CONCLUSION

A commitment to family-centred care, educational intervention and the uptake of professional guidance are recommended evidence-informed strategies to enhance nurses' support for this practice in critical care.

Family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and invasive procedures: a meta-synthesis

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the best qualitative evidence regarding the perception of family members, patients and health professionals about family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and invasive procedures.

METHOD

Systematic review with meta-synthesis performed in the databases of Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, MEDLINE, Embase and VHL. Articles published between 2010 and 2017 were included and evaluated with use of the Qualitative Data Extraction Instrument.

RESULTS

In total, were found 2,391 articles, out of which 26 were selected, and 24 were analyzed. The identified meta-theme was 'A pendular perspective: different views on family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and invasive procedures', which is supported by the following themes: Benefits resulting from family presence; Disadvantages and/or limiting factors of family presence; and Context: environmental, sociocultural and care factors influencing the perception of family presence.

CONCLUSION

The perception of family members, patients and professionals about family presence is still controversial. The sensitization of these subjects can potentiate the practice by making it more systematized and qualified.

Factors associated with nurses' perceptions, self-confidence, and invitations of family presence during resuscitation in the intensive care unit: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Family presence during resuscitation is not widely implemented in clinical practice. Prior research about nurse factors that may influence their decision to invite family members to remain in the room during resuscitation is contradictory and inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

To describe intensive care unit nurses' perceptions, self-confidence, and invitations of family presence during resuscitation, and to evaluate differences according to nurse factors.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey design was used for descriptive and correlational analyses.

SETTING

Data collection occurred online.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 395 nurses working in intensive care units across the United States was obtained.

METHODS

Participants completed a survey to collect personal, professional, and workplace information. The Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale and Family Presence Self-confidence Scale were administered, and frequency of inviting family members to be in the room during resuscitation was collected by self-report. Following descriptive analysis of univariate distributions, a series of hierarchical OLS regression analyses was used to identify which personal, professional, or workplace factors yielded the largest unique impact on nurse perceptions, self-confidence, and invitations of family presence during resuscitation.

RESULTS

Despite high frequency of performing resuscitative care, one-third of participants had never invited family members to be in the room during resuscitation during their careers, and another 33% had invited family members to be present just 1-5 times. Having had clinical experience with family presence during resuscitation was the strongest predictor of positive perceptions, higher self-confidence, and increased invitations. In addition, having received education on family presence during resuscitation and a written facility policy were found to be key professional and workplace predictors of perceptions and invitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses who work in a facility with a policy on family presence during resuscitation, are educated on it, and have experienced it in the clinical setting are more likely to have positive perceptions and higher self-confidence, and to invite family members to be in the room during resuscitation with increased frequency. Nurses in leadership roles should create policies for their units and provide education to nurses and other healthcare providers. Due to the apparent importance of clinical experience with family presence during resuscitation, it is recommended to initially provide this experience using simulation and role modeling.

Family presence during resuscitation - The experiences and views of Polish nurses

Understanding healthcare professionals perceptions of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) may help in choosing an effective strategy of implementing this concept in everyday clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the experiences and views of Polish nurses about family witnessed resuscitation.

DESIGN

A cross sectional survey study.

SETTING

Delegates (n = 720) attending the Polish Association of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Nurses conference participated in the study. A total of 240 questionnaires were correctly completed and returned.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Validation of the Polish version of the tool was undertaken. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three main factors: staff opinions on the benefits of FPDR (α-Cronbach 0.86), opinions on the negative effects (α-Cronbach 0.74) and general views on this practice (α-Cronbach 0.54). These three extracted factors were defined as dependent variables.

RESULTS

Out of the sample, 113 (47%) nurses worked in adult intensive care units (ICUs) and 127 (53%) in other acute clinical settings. ICU nurses reported having experiences of FPDR (n = 66, 54%); out of this group 12 (10%) had positive encounters and 46 (38%) reported negative ones. ICU nurses had undetermined opinions on the benefits and potential negative effects of FPDR. Having positive experiences with FPDR influenced ICU nurses' views on the negative effects of FPDR (Z = -2.16, p< 0.03).

CONCLUSION

A positive experience of FPDR influences a nurse's views and attitudes in this evolving area of practice.

Family presence during resuscitation: extending ethical norms from paediatrics to adults

Many families of patients hold the view that it is their right to be present during a loved one's resuscitation, while the majority of patients also express the comfort and support they would feel by having them there. Currently, family presence is more commonly accepted in paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) than adult CPR. Even though many guidelines are in favour of this practice and recognise potential benefits, healthcare professionals are hesitant to support adult family presence to the extent that paediatric family presence is supported. However, in this paper, we suggest that the ethical case to justify family presence during paediatric resuscitation (P-FPDR) is weaker than the justification of family presence during adult resuscitation (A-FPDR). We go on to support this claim using three main arguments that people use in clinical ethics to justify FPDR. These include scarcity of evidence documenting disruption, psychological benefits to family members following the incident and respect for patient autonomy. We demonstrate that these arguments actually apply more strongly to A-FPDR compared with P-FPDR, thereby questioning the common attitude of healthcare professionals of allowing the latter while mostly opposing A-FPDR. Importantly, we do not wish to suggest that P-FPDR should not be allowed. Rather, we suggest that since P-FPDR is commonly (and should be) allowed, so should A-FPDR. This is because the aforementioned arguments that are used to justify FPDR in general actually make a stronger case for A-FPDR.

A qualitative study of factors in nurses' and physicians' decision-making related to family presence during resuscitation

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the similarities and differences in factors that influence nurses' and physicians' decision-making related to family presence during resuscitation.

BACKGROUND

Despite the growing acceptance of family presence during resuscitation worldwide, healthcare professionals continue to debate the risks and benefits of family presence. As many hospitals lack a policy to guide family presence during resuscitation, decisions are negotiated by resuscitation teams, families and patients in crisis situations. Research has not clarified the factors that influence the decision-making processes of nurses and physicians related to inviting family presence. This is the first study to elicit written data from healthcare professionals to explicate factors in decision-making about family presence.

DESIGN

Qualitative exploratory-descriptive.

METHODS

Convenience samples of registered nurses (n = 325) and acute care physicians (n = 193) from a Midwestern hospital in the United States of America handwrote responses to open-ended questions about family presence. Through thematic analysis, decision-making factors for physicians and nurses were identified and compared.

RESULTS

Physicians and nurses evaluated three similar factors and four differing factors when deciding to invite family presence during resuscitation. Furthermore, nurses and physicians weighted the factors differently. Physicians weighted most heavily the family's potential to disrupt life-saving efforts and compromise patient care and then the family's knowledge about resuscitations. Nurses heavily weighted the potential for the family to be traumatised, the potential for the family to disrupt the resuscitation, and possible family benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses and physicians considered both similar and different factors when deciding to invite family presence. Physicians focused on the patient primarily, while nurses focused on the patient, family and resuscitation team.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Knowledge of factors that influence the decision-making of interprofessional colleagues can improve collaboration and communication in crisis events of family presence during resuscitation.

Using Qualitative Research to Inform Development of Professional Guidelines: A Case Study of the Society of Critical Care Medicine Family-Centered Care Guidelines

OBJECTIVES

To explore the importance, challenges, and opportunities using qualitative research to enhance development of clinical practice guidelines, using recent guidelines for family-centered care in the ICU as an example.

METHODS

In developing the Society of Critical Care Medicine guidelines for family-centered care in the neonatal ICU, PICU, and adult ICU, we developed an innovative adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development and Evaluations approach to explicitly incorporate qualitative research. Using Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Development and Evaluations and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies principles, we conducted a systematic review of qualitative research to establish family-centered domains and outcomes. Thematic analyses were undertaken on study findings and used to support Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome question development.

RESULTS

We identified and employed three approaches using qualitative research in these guidelines. First, previously published qualitative research was used to identify important domains for the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome questions. Second, this qualitative research was used to identify and prioritize key outcomes to be evaluated. Finally, we used qualitative methods, member checking with patients and families, to validate the process and outcome of the guideline development.

CONCLUSIONS

In this, a novel report, we provide direction for standardizing the use of qualitative evidence in future guidelines. Recommendations are made to incorporate qualitative literature review and appraisal, include qualitative methodologists in guideline taskforce teams, and develop training for evaluation of qualitative research into guideline development procedures. Effective methods of involving patients and families as members of guideline development represent opportunities for future work.

The opinion of health professionals regarding the presence of relatives during cardiopulmonary resucitation

BACKGROUND

The latest recommendations from the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council invite allowance for the presence of relatives (PR) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as an extra measure of family care.

OBJECTIVE

To discover the opinion of health professionals on the PR during CPR.

METHOD

Cross-sectional observational study through an online survey in Spain, based on a non-probability sample (n=315).

RESULTS

45% consider that the PR during CPR is not demanded by users. 64% value the implementation of this practice in a negative or a very negative way. 45% believe that the practice would avoid the feeling of abandonment that is instilled in the relatives, this being the most widely perceived potential benefit. 30% do not believe that it can help reduce the anxiety of relatives. The majority remarked that PR would cause situations of violence, psychological harm in witnesses, and more mistakes during care. 48% feel prepared to perform the role of companion.

CONCLUSIONS

Most professionals perceive more risks than benefits, and are not in favour of allowing PR due to a paternalistic attitude, and fear of the reactions that could be presented to the team. Extra-hospital emergency personnel seems to be the group most open to allowing this practice. Most professionals do not feel fully prepared to perform the role of companion.

Ethical dilemmas during cardiac arrest incidents in the patient's home

BACKGROUND:

The majority (70%) of cardiac arrests in Sweden are experienced in the patient's home. In these situations, the ambulance nurses may encounter several ethical dilemmas.

AIM:

The aim was to investigate Swedish specialist ambulance nurses' experiences of ethical dilemmas associated with cardiac arrest situations in adult patients' homes.

METHODS:

Nine interviews were conducted with specialist ambulance nurses at four different ambulance stations in the southeast region of Sweden. Data were analysed using content analysis.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Ethical principles mandated by the Swedish Research Council were carefully followed during the whole process.

FINDINGS:

Two main themes with six sub-themes were identified: The scene - creating a sheltered space for caring and Ethical decision-making. The results showed that ethical dilemmas might occur when trying to create a sheltered space to preserve the patients' integrity and dignity. A dilemma could be whether or not to invite significant others to be present during the medical treatment. Ethical decision-making was dependent on good communication and ethical reasoning among all parties. In certain situations, decisions were made not to commence or to terminate care despite guidelines. The decision was guided by combining the medical/nursing perspectives and ethical competence with respect to the human being's dignity and a will to do good for the patient. The nurses followed the voice of their heart and had the courage to be truly human.

CONCLUSION:

The ambulance nurses were guided by their ethos, including the basic motive to care for the patient, to alleviate suffering, to confirm the patient's dignity and to serve life and health.

Health care professionals' concerns regarding in-hospital family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation implementation into clinical practice

BACKGROUND

In-hospital, family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation of adults has been found to help patients' family members deal with the short- and long-term emotional consequences of resuscitation. Because of its benefits, many national and international nursing and medical organizations officially recommend this practice. Research, however, shows that family-witnessed resuscitation is not widely implemented in clinical practice, and health care professionals generally do not favour this recommendation.

AIM

To describe and provide an initial basis for understanding health care professionals' views and perspectives regarding the implementation of an in-hospital, family-witnessed adult resuscitation practice in two European countries.

STUDY DESIGN

An inductive qualitative approach was used in this study.

METHODS

Finnish (n = 93) and Polish (n = 75) emergency and intensive care nurses and physicians provided written responses to queries regarding their personal observations, concerns and comments about in-hospital, family-witnessed resuscitation of an adult. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

The study analysis yielded five themes characterizing health care professionals' main concerns regarding family-witnessed resuscitation: (1) family's horror, (2) disturbed workflow (3) no support for the family, (4) staff preparation and (5) situation-based decision.

CONCLUSION

Despite existing evidence revealing the positive influence of family-witnessed resuscitation on patients, relatives and cardiopulmonary resuscitation process, Finnish and Polish health care providers cited a number of personal and organizational barriers against this practice. The results of this study begin to examine reasons why family-witnessed resuscitation has not been widely implemented in practice. In order to successfully apply current evidence-based resuscitation guidelines, provider concerns need to be addressed through educational and organizational changes.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study identified important implementation barriers for allowing families in critical care settings to be present during resuscitation efforts. These results can be further used in developing and adjusting clinical practice policies, protocols and guidelines related to family-witnessed resuscitation.

Current practices related to family presence during acute deterioration in adult emergency department patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the characteristics of and interactions between clinicians, patients and family members during management of the deteriorating adult patient in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND

Previous research into family presence during resuscitation has identified many positive outcomes when families are included. However, over the last three decades the epidemiology of acute clinical deterioration has changed, with a decrease in in-hospital cardiac arrests and an increase in acute clinical deterioration. Despite the decrease in cardiac arrests, research related to family presence continues to focus on care during resuscitation rather than care during acute deterioration.

DESIGN

Descriptive exploratory study using nonparticipatory observation.

METHODS

Five clinical deterioration episodes were observed within a 50-bed, urban, Australian emergency department. Field notes were taken using a semistructured tool to allow for thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Presence, roles and engagement describe the interactions between clinicians, family members and patients while family are present during a patient's episode of deterioration. Presence was classified as no presence, physical presence and therapeutic presence. Clinicians and family members moved through primary, secondary and tertiary roles during patients' deterioration episode. Engagement was observed to be superficial or deep. There was a complex interplay between presence, roles and engagement with each influencing which form the other could take.

CONCLUSIONS

Current practices of managing family during episodes of acute deterioration are complex and multifaceted. There is fluid interplay between presence, roles and engagement during a patient's episode of deterioration.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study will contribute to best practice, provide a strong foundation for clinician education and present opportunities for future research.

A randomised controlled trial of student nurse performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a simulated family-witnessed resuscitation scenario

This randomized controlled trial, conducted in a UK University nursing department, compared student nurses' performance during a simulated cardiac arrest. Eighteen teams of four students were randomly assigned to one of three scenarios: 1) no family witness; 2) a "quiet" family witness; and 3) a family witness displaying overt anxiety and distress. Each group was assessed by observers for a range of performance outcomes (e.g. calling for help, timing to starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and simulation manikin data on the depth and timing of three cycles of compressions. Groups without a distressed family member present performed better in the early part of the basic life support algorithm. Approximately a third of compressions assessed were of appropriate pressure. Groups with a distressed family member present were more likely to perform compressions with low pressure. Groups with no family member present were more likely to perform compressions with too much pressure. Timing of compressions was better when there was no family member present. Family presence appears to have an effect on subjectively and objectively measured performance. Further study is required to see how these findings translate into the registered nurse population, and how experience and education modify the impact of family member presence.

Patient and family involvement in adult critical and intensive care settings: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Despite international bodies calling for increased patient and family involvement, these concepts remain poorly defined within literature on critical and intensive care settings.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review investigates the extent and range of literature on patient and family involvement in critical and intensive care settings. Methodological and empirical gaps are identified, and a future agenda for research into optimizing patient and family involvement is outlined.

METHODS

Searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Social Work Abstracts and PsycINFO were conducted. English-language articles published between 2003 and 2014 were retrieved. Articles were included if the studies were undertaken in an intensive care or critical care setting, addressed the topic of patient and family involvement, included a sample of adult critical care patients, their families and/or critical care providers. Two reviewers extracted and charted data and analysed findings using qualitative content analysis.

FINDINGS

A total of 892 articles were screened, 124 were eligible for analysis, including 61 quantitative, 61 qualitative and 2 mixed-methods studies. There was a significant gap in research on patient involvement in the intensive care unit. The analysis identified five different components of family and patient involvement: (i) presence, (ii) having needs met/being supported, (iii) communication, (iv) decision making and (v) contributing to care.

CONCLUSION

Three research gaps were identified that require addressing: (i) the scope, extent and nature of patient involvement in intensive care settings; (ii) the broader socio-cultural processes that shape patient and family involvement; and (iii) the bidirectional implications between patient/family involvement and interprofessional teamwork.

Family-witnessed resuscitation: focus group inquiry into UK student nurse experiences of simulated resuscitation scenarios

Aims

To describe the impact of family members’ presence on student nurse performance in a witnessed resuscitation scenario. To explore student nurses’ attitudes to simulated family-witnessed resuscitation and their views about its place in clinical practice.

Background

Family-witnessed resuscitation remains controversial worldwide. Hospital implementation remains inconsistent despite professional organisation support. Systematic reviews of international literature indicate family members wish to be involved and consulted; healthcare professionals express concerns about being observed while resuscitating. Student nurse perspectives have not been addressed.

Design

Qualitative, focus groups.

Methods

Participants: UK university second-year student nurses (n=48) who participated in simulated resuscitation scenarios (family member absent, family member present but quiet or family member present but distressed). Data generation 2014: focus group interview schedule—five open-ended questions and probing techniques. Audio recordings transcribed, analysed thematically. Research ethics approval via University Research Ethics committee.

Findings

Overarching theme=students’ sense making—making sense of situation (practically/professionally), of themselves (their skills/values) and of others (patients/family members). Students identify as important team leader allocating tasks, continuity of carer and number of nurses needed. Three orientations to practice are identified and explored—includes rule following, guidance from personal/proto-professional values and paternalistic protectionism.

Discussion

We explore issues of students’ fluency of response and skills repertoire to support family-witnessed resuscitation; explanatory potential to account for the inconsistent uptake of family-witnessed resuscitation. Possible future lines of inquiry include family members’ gaze as a motivational trigger, and management of guilt.

Factors associated with experiences and attitudes of healthcare professionals towards family-witnessed resuscitation: a cross-sectional study

AIMS

To examine factors associated with healthcare professionals' experiences and attitudes towards adult family-witnessed resuscitation in the emergency and intensive care units.

BACKGROUND

Family-witnessed resuscitation offers the option for patients' families to be present during in-hospital resuscitation. It is important to understand healthcare professionals' views about this practice to determine why, despite its benefits and general recommendation, this practice has not been widely implemented.

DESIGN

A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

A total of 390 Finnish and Polish Registered Nurses and physicians from six university hospitals took part in the study. A structured questionnaire that examined nurses' and physicians' experiences and attitudes was used. Data, collected between July-December 2013, were analysed with descriptive statistics, logistic and multiple linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

The results indicated that healthcare professionals are not well experienced in family-witnessed resuscitation. The general attitude towards this practice is somewhat negative. Physicians seem more confident about overcoming process-related barriers than nurses. Having previous positive experiences of family-witnessed resuscitation was associated with a more positive attitude towards this practice. Consequently a previous negative experience was associated with more negative attitudes.

CONCLUSION

Family-witnessed resuscitation awareness should be increased in daily clinical practice. It is important to find a way to improve experiences and attitudes of healthcare professionals related to this phenomenon. Furthermore, developing local guidelines and multidisciplinary training plans is needed to respond to the needs of patients and their families.

Family presence during resuscitation: A Canadian Critical Care Society position paper

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that patient outcomes are not affected by the offering of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR), and that psychological outcomes are neutral or improved in family members of adult patients. The exclusion of family members from the resuscitation area should, therefore, be reassessed.

OBJECTIVE

The present Canadian Critical Care Society position paper is designed to help clinicians and institutions decide whether to incorporate FPDR as part of their routine clinical practice, and to offer strategies to implement FPDR successfully.

METHODS

The authors conducted a literature search of the perspectives of health care providers, patients and families on the topic of FPDR, and considered the relevant ethical values of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy and justice in light of the clinical evidence for FPDR. They reviewed randomized controlled trials and observational studies of FPDR to determine strategies that have been used to screen family members, select appropriate chaperones and educate staff.

RESULTS

FPDR is an ethically sound practice in Canada, and may be considered for the families of adult and pediatric patients in the hospital setting. Hospitals that choose to implement FPDR should develop transparent policies regarding which family members are to be offered the opportunity to be present during the resuscitation. Experienced chaperones should accompany and support family members in the resuscitation area. Intensive educational interventions and increasing experience with FPDR are associated with increased support for the practice from health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

FPDR should be considered to be an important component of patient and family-centred care.

Attitudes of healthcare providers towards family involvement and presence in adult critical care units in Saudi Arabia: a quantitative study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To describe healthcare providers' attitudes to family involvement during routine care and family presence during resuscitation or other invasive procedures in adult intensive care units in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that healthcare professionals have revealed a diversity of opinions on family involvement during routine care and family presence during resuscitation or other invasive procedures. Attitude assessment can provide an indication of staff acceptance or rejection of the practice and also help identify key potential barriers that will need to be addressed. It has also been evident that participation in the care has potential benefits for patients and families as well as healthcare providers.

DESIGN

A quantitative descriptive design.

METHODS

A questionnaire was used with a convenience sample of 468 healthcare providers who were recruited from eight intensive care units.

RESULTS

The analysis found that healthcare providers had positive attitudes towards family involvement during routine care, but negative attitudes towards family presence during resuscitation or other invasive procedures. Physicians expressed more opposition to the practice than did nurses and respiratory therapists. Staff indicated a need to develop written guidelines and policies, as well as educational programmes, to address this sensitive issue in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

Family is an important resource in patient care in the context of the critical care environment. Clinical barriers including resources, hospital policies and guidelines, staff and public education should be taken into account to facilitate family integration to the care model.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings can help to develop policies and guidelines for safe implementation of the practice. They can also encourage those who design nursing and other medical curricula to place more emphasis on the role of the family especially in critical care settings.

The Presence of Relatives during Brainstem Death Testing in an Intensive Care Unit

The issue of allowing relatives to witness brainstem death testing has sparked debate between all members of the multidisciplinary team working in intensive care. A literature search was carried out, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of relatives observing brainstem death testing. Databases searched were the NHS Knowledge Network, OVID, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Medline. Search items included: brainstem death, brainstem death testing, brain death, intensive care, relatives, families and witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Articles which were under ten years old were included; however articles which were pertinent to the topic were not excluded if outside this timeframe.

Family needs and involvement in the intensive care unit: a literature review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To understand the needs of critically ill patient families', seeking to meet those needs and explore the process and patterns of involving family members during routine care and resuscitation and other invasive procedures.

METHODS

A structured literature review using Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Pubmed, Proquest, Google scholar, Meditext database and a hand search of critical care journals via identified search terms for relevant articles published between 2000 and 2010.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were included in the review either undertaken in the Intensive Care Unit or conducted with critical care staff using different methods of inquiry. The studies were related to family needs; family involvement in routine care; and family involvement during resuscitation and other invasive procedures. The studies revealed that family members ranked both the need for assurance and the need for information as the most important. They also perceived their important needs as being unmet, and identified the nurses as the best staff to meet these needs, followed by the doctors. The studies demonstrate that both family members and healthcare providers have positive attitudes towards family involvement in routine care. However, family members and healthcare providers had significantly different views of family involvement during resuscitation and other invasive procedures.

CONCLUSION

Meeting Intensive Care Unit family needs can be achieved by supporting and involving families in the care of the critically ill family member. More emphasis should be placed on identifying the family needs in relation to the influence of cultural values and religion held by the family members and the organisational climate and culture of the working area in the Intensive Care Unit.

Family presence during resuscitation: a descriptive study of nurses' attitudes from two Saudi hospitals

BACKGROUND

The presence of family in the patient care area during resuscitation events is a matter of current debate among health care professionals in many communities. Family presence is highly recommended by many health organizations worldwide for several reasons including patient and family rights. There are no policies or guidelines in Saudi Arabia to guide health professionals in their practice regarding the option of family being present during resuscitations. The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of nurses towards family presence during resuscitation in the Muslim community of Saudi Arabia.

DESIGN

This is a descriptive survey using data from a convenience sample of 132 nurses using a self-administered questionnaire. The study took place in two major trauma centres in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The analysis of the data revealed that nurses (n = 132) had negative attitudes towards family presence during resuscitation. A high percentage (77·2%) agreed that witnessing resuscitation is a traumatic experience for the family members. Almost all participants (92·3%) disagreed with the statement that the practice of allowing family members to be present during the resuscitation of a loved one would benefit the patient and 78% disagreed with the statement that it would benefit families. The majority of the participants (65%) revealed that the presence of family would negatively affect the performance of the resuscitation team. However, almost half of the sample (43·8%) would prefer a written policy allowing the option of family presence during resuscitation in Saudi Arabia.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study strongly suggest the need for the development of written policies offering families the option to remain with patients during resuscitation in Saudi Arabia. The study further recommends the development of education programs for staff and public for the safe implementation of the practice.

How Families and Health Care Practitioners Experience Family Presence during Resuscitation and Invasive Procedures

BACKGROUND

The presence of family members during resuscitation and invasive procedures has been, and continues to be debated in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the best available research evidence on how families and health care practitioners experience family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies about families and health care practitioners experiencing family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures were considered.This review considered family members and health care practitioners who had experienced the phenomena of family presence during resuscitation or invasive procedures.Family members and health care practitioners experience of family presence during resuscitation or invasive procedures.Qualitative evidence consisting of, but not limited to, designs such as interpretive, descriptive-exploratory, observational, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory, hermeneutics, participatory action research, and critical theory were included in the review.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The search strategy sought to find both published and unpublished research articles from 1985 to 2009. The review was limited to papers written in English.

METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY

Each paper was assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using the standardised tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

DATA COLLECTION

Data were using standardized data extraction tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The Joanna Briggs Institute' approach for meta-synthesis by meta-aggregation was used.

RESULTS

25 studies were included in the review. 154 findings were extracted and synthesized into 14 categories and 5 synthesized findings.

CONCLUSIONS

A tension is created between the belief of most family members that being present is a right and health care practitioners who believe they should have control over the circumstances of the practice. Although healthcare practitioners express concern that the practice will cause the family to experience psychological trauma the data does not suggest that this is the case. Most family members describe their presence as an opportunity to comfort and to gain closure.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH.