Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR): A qualitative descriptive study exploring the experiences of emergency personnel post resuscitation

Abstract

Introduction: Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR), remains inconsistently implemented by emergency personnel. The benefits for family members is well documented, providing opportunities for family to say goodbye, facilitates closure and enables family to provide emotional support to the patient. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and attitudes of emergency personnel towards FPDR immediately post resuscitation events.

Method: A descriptive qualitative design was used to explore the experiences of emergency personnel with FPDR. Data was collected from single rural and metropolitan emergency departments in the state of Victoria, Australia. The participants consisted of nurses and doctors who took active roles during resuscitation events. Following transcription of the audiotaped interviews Creswell's (2003) six step analysis process was employed.

Result: A total of 29 interviews of key personnel, following 6 paediatric and 18 adult resuscitation events. Interviews were conducted over a period of two weeks in each venue. The data was organised into six themes following analysis including: care coordinators inconsistently called, gate keepers to implementation, effective communication strategies helping to deliver bad news, life experience generates confidence, allocation of family support person, and family members roles dependent on age of patient.

Conclusion: FPDR is common practice in paediatric events however remains inconsistently implemented during adult resuscitations. A designated family support person is essential to successful implementation of FPDR and should be incorporated in to the allocation of the resuscitation team roles during both adult and paediatric resuscitation events. Education and training is important for clinicians to learn essential communication skills, building practice confidence, which is required to successfully implement FPDR.

Keywords: Emergency department; Family; Family presence; Resuscitation.