Emergency nurses' current practices and understanding of family presence during CPR.
OBJECTIVE
To examine emergency nurses' current practices and understanding of family presence during CPR in the emergency department, Cork University Hospital, Republic of Ireland.


METHODS
A quantitative descriptive design was used in the study. A questionnaire developed by ENA was distributed to emergency nurses working in a level I trauma emergency department at Cork University Hospital. The total sample number was 90, including all emergency nurses with at least 6 months' emergency nursing experience.


RESULTS
Emergency nurses often took families to the bedside during resuscitation efforts (58.9%) or would do so if the opportunity arose (17.8%). A high percentage (74.4%) of respondents would prefer a written policy allowing the option of family presence during CPR. The most significant barrier to family witnessed resuscitation (FWR) was conflicts occurring within the emergency team. The most significant facilitator to FWR was a greater understanding of health care professionals on the benefits of FWR to patients and families, indicating the need for educational development.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the study and previously published studies indicate the need for development of written polices and guidelines on the practice to meet the needs of patients, families, and staff by providing consistent, safe, and caring practices for all involved in the resuscitation process. Recommendations of the study include the development of a written policy and an educational programme on the safe implementation and practices of FWR.
Madden
Eilis
E
Emergency Department, Cork University Hospital, Wilton Road, Cork City, Ireland. madden_eilis@hotmail.com
Condon
Carol
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*