Family Presence During Invasive Procedures: Perceptions of Registered Nurses in Spain and Ethical Implications for Humanised Care

AIMS: To analyse the perceptions of registered nurses in Spain regarding family presence during invasive procedures (FPIP), identifying perceived benefits, barriers to its implementation, and associated sociodemographic variables. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of 1836 registered nurses was obtained using the validated Spanish version of the Questionnaire on Family Presence in Invasive Procedures (QFP-IP). Data were collected anonymously online between November and December 2024. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed (Student's t, ANOVA, post hoc tests), and the psychometric properties of the scale were examined (Cronbach's α = 0.904; ICC = 0.90). RESULTS: Overall, nurses showed favourable attitudes towards FPIP, though barriers such as insufficient training, fear of interference, and professional stress persisted. Positive attitudes increased with age, years of experience, and higher educational attainment. Paediatric and geriatric services were the most supportive, whereas intensive care and operating theatre units were more reluctant. Men and those with postgraduate or specialised training expressed greater acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: FPIP is recognised by Spanish nurses as an ethically relevant and humanising practice that strengthens communication, autonomy, and compassion in care. Organisational and ethical frameworks are needed to ensure its safe and equitable implementation. IMPACT: This nationwide study offers the first empirical evidence in Spain on FPIP from a nursing perspective. Its findings provide guidance for developing clinical protocols, ethics education, and institutional policies that promote moral agency and family-centred, humanised care. CONTRIBUTION FROM PATIENTS OR THE PUBLIC: Nurses participated via an online survey and were able to respond to it by accepting the study conditions.