title: Overcoming resistance to family-witnessed resuscitation.
abstract: Giving family members the option of being present during resuscitation has been shown to be beneficial for both family and staff. However, only a small percentage of intensive care units have policies promoting family-witnessed resuscitation. This article reviews current research showing the benefits of family-witnessed resuscitation, outlines how to successfully integrate a family facilitator during resuscitation, and includes research that has been effective in changing the prevailing attitudes of staff. The authors also argue for the resuscitation team to practice ethical and cultural humility when involving family members so that all resuscitation efforts are a success, whether the patient lives or dies.
authors.affiliation: Erica Jordahl, RN, CCRN, is a staff nurse at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is also a practicing paramedic and outdoor enthusiast. In addition to critical care nursing, her interests include wilderness medicine and disaster management. Yolanda M. Hyde, PhD, RN, BC, OCN, is an associate professor of nursing at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has 20 years of practice experience in a Regional Referral Level II Trauma Center, ANCC Magnet-recognized medical center. Her primary research and scholarship interests are focused on overcoming health disparities. She is a regular contributor to DCCN. Donald D. Kautz, PhD, RN, CRRN, CNE, ACNS-BC, is an associate professor of nursing at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He regularly publishes with nurses on evidence-based practice, end-of-life issues, and how to inspire hope in our patients, their families, and ourselves. He is a regular contributor to DCCN.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jordahl
authors.forename: Yolanda M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Hyde
authors.forename: Donald D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Kautz
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000523:psychology*; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000523:psychology*