Family Presence During Adult Resuscitation

Introduction The Emergency Nurses Association and the American Heart Association support family presence during adult resuscitation (FPDAR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of registered nurses and staff regarding FPDAR in the emergency department (ED). Methods A convenience sample of ED registered nurses and staff was carried out using a questionnaire-based survey. The survey queried respondents on experience with family presence during invasive procedures, including resuscitation, and perceived barriers and facilitators to FPDAR in the ED. Results Seventy-nine surveys were analyzed. Sixty-five percent of the respondents had participated in FPDAR in the past year and 82% indicated they supported FPDAR. Barriers included families interference during resuscitation and increased levels of stress on the emergency resuscitation team. Discussion Despite fear of families interfering and increased stress, most ED registered nurses and staff support FPDAR. There is a need for education to increase understanding of FPDAR.