Family presence during resuscitation : A literature review of nurses' experiences

Background: The new guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation states that the family should be given the opportunity to be present at the resuscitation of a close relative. A cardiac arrest is an emotional experience for the family. In addition to being part of the resuscitation effort, the nurse also needs to take care of the family. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of family presence during resuscitation. Method: A literature review has been made of 13 studies where differences and similarities were analyzed. The articles were published between the years of 2009 – 2013 Result: The nurses' experiences were divided into three categories; Factors that affect family presence, The nurse' experience surrounding the presence of the family, Factors affecting family presence in the resuscitation room. The result showed that, the feeling of confidence, the ability to work under stressful conditions, the reactions of the family and external prerequisites and the presences of a family support person were important. All nurses had unique experiences that influenced their attitudes towards family presence during resuscitation. Conclusion: Every resuscitation is unique and the family's presence should be evaluated. The need for a family support person was identified as an important factor to ease the family's presence. Local protocols should be created that clearly states the decision process and whom become the family support person. Travelbee's nursing theory facilitates the comprehension of the interactions between the family and the nurse