Paediatric critical care nurses’ attitudes and experiences of parental presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A European survey

Abstract 

Background

Although recent resuscitation guidelines are supportive of family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation literature from the last decade suggests that it is often discouraged, and the subject remains a controversial issue.

Objectives

To determine the experiences and attitudes of European paediatric critical care nurses about parental presence during the resuscitation of a child.

Design

A survey design was employed.

Participants

A convenience sample of European paediatric critical care nurses was used.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was used, which incorporated a series of attitude statements that were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences in attitudes were explored in three areas: decision-making, processes and outcomes of resuscitation.

Results

The results from this survey suggest that European paediatric nurses are very supportive of parental presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only a few nurses reported that their unit had a policy that covered parental presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and most nurses did not support the use of a dedicated nurse to look after the parents during resuscitation.

Conclusions

Compared with previous studies relating to adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, paediatric nurses experience family member presence more frequently than adult critical care nurses and appear to be more supportive of relatives’ presence. It is recommended that paediatric intensive care units establish local policies that cover parental presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Keywords: Attitudes, Children, Critical care nursing, Europe, Family-witnessed resuscitation