Family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures: physicians' and nurses' attitudes working in pediatric departments in Greece

Abstract

Background: Family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures (FPDRAIP) has been a frequent topic of debate among healthcare personnel worldwide. This paper determines the knowledge, experiences and views of Greek physicians and nurses on FPDRAIP and examines possible correlations and factors promoting or limiting the implementation of the issue.

Methods: The data for this descriptive questionnaire study were collected between March and June 2009. The study population consisted of 44 physicians and 77 nurses working in neonatal-pediatric departments and intensive care units in Patras, Greece, who answered an anonymous questionnaire.

Results: The majority of the participants (73.6%) were not familiar with FPDRAIP, were neither educated (72.7%) nor did they agree with the issue (71.9%). No written policy on FPDRAIP existed in the hospitals surveyed. Participants who were familiar with existing guidelines on the issue, or those who had relevant personal experience (76.9%), were positive for practising it as well. The degree of invasiveness of the medical intervention was the major determinant for healthcare personnel to consent for FPDRAIP. Finally, 43.2% of physicians believed that the decision of allowing FPDRAIP should be made only by them, whereas, 40.3% of nurses thought it should be a joint one.

Conclusions: This study reveals that healthcare personnel in Greece are not familiar with the issue of FPDRAIP. In view of the increasing evidence on the advantages of this practice, we recommend implementation of relevant educational programs and institutional guidelines and policies.