Family presence during pediatric resuscitation: an integrative review for evidence-based practice

Many pediatric health care institutions lack guidelines to address the presence of family members during resuscitation activities. This integrative literature review was used to establish an evidence-based approach that would compliment our institution's philosophy of "family centered care." The evidence supports a partnering with the families: Hospital staff ask families whether they want to be present during life-saving interventions by health care professions. Families want to make the choice, and when they are present during resuscitation efforts, there is less litigation, anxiety, and second-guessing regarding the efforts and competence of the staff providing that care. No literature was found to support beliefs that family member presence is harmful to the family or the institution. A practice policy is provided that respects family choice and presence during life-saving measures in pediatric care facilities.