Effects of family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures in a pediatric emergency department.
BACKGROUND
No research exists evaluating family presence (FP) during resuscitation interventions (RIs) and invasive procedures (IPs) using ENA guidelines in a pediatric emergency department. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an FP protocol in facilitating uninterrupted care and describe parents' and providers' experiences.


METHODS
FP was offered by a family facilitator to parents of children undergoing RIs or IPs. Data were collected during 64 FP events (28 RIs and 36 IPs). Following the event, 92 providers and 22 parents completed a survey about their experiences.


RESULTS
In 100% of FP cases, patient care was uninterrupted. Parents were positive about FP, believed it helped their child, and reported that it eased their fears. All parents described an active role during the event, and most believed they had a right to be present. Three months later, no parents reported traumatic memories. Providers also were positive about FP and reported that the presence of parents did not negatively affect care. Although most (70%) supported FP during RIs, more nurses (92%) and physicians (78%) supported it than did residents (35%, P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest the effectiveness of a pediatric emergency department FP protocol in facilitating uninterrupted patient care. The benefits identified for parents support implementation of FP programs.
Mangurten
Janice
J
Trauma/Neurosurgical ICU, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235, USA. janice.mangurten@childrens.com
Scott
Shari H
SH
Guzzetta
Cathie E
CE
Clark
Angela P
AP
Vinson
Lori
L
Sperry
Jenny
J
Hicks
Barry
B
Voelmeck
Wayne
W
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010372:Pediatrics; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012151:Resuscitation; D015206:Southwestern United States