Madison Melton - Department of Emergency Medicine
Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) is defined as the presence of one or more family members in the space where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is being performed. Importantly, these family members can maintain visual or physical contact with the patient and healthcare staff.
There are thought to be numerous benefits to FPDR in the Emergency Department; however, among healthcare professionals, a debate continues surrounding this practice. The possible benefits include providing guidance and family understanding, allowing the family to recognize the efforts made, and facilitating closure and healing. Notably, FPDR can help with processing poor outcomes or the death of a loved one, but there are also potential downsides, including increased stress and anxiety for all present parties, distracted healthcare staff, family interference, added fear of litigation, and traumatic experiences for the family.
Given these concerns, the main points explored in this review were the importance of staff training and education. These changes were highlighted as crucial in supporting family members through resuscitation events, as well as “the key to staff acceptance and cooperation for family presence implementation” [1]. Currently, FPDR is “at the discretion of the emergency staff and would benefit from the development of a formal policy to standardize practice” (2014).
Although concerns remain regarding FPDR, healthcare workers recognize that it “has been recommended by resuscitation and emergency associates and therefore warrants further research and discussion” [1]. Overall, FPDR can have many benefits for family members, yet there remains a need for education and training for staff, as well as the development of a standardized practice.
References:
Porter JE, Cooper SJ, Sellick K. Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR): Perceived benefits, barriers and enablers to implementation and practice. Int Emerg Nurs. 2014;22(2):69-74. doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2013.07.001
Edited By: Firas Batrash, Editor-in-Chief
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