Family presence in the congenital catheterization laboratory

Evidence suggests that family presence as an option during invasive procedures may provide a comforting presence to the patient and may not be notable disruptive to the health care team. Little research has explored family presence during cardiac procedures. This is the first documented report of family presence in the congenital cardiac catheterization lab (CCCL). The purpose of this article is to review the course for implementing a family presence program in the CCCL. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based practice guided this process which included the development of a written policy of family presence in the CCCL at two academic medical centers. Successful family presence in the catheterization lab must include: written guidelines, involvement of all staff, family presence offered as an option, and preparation of the patient and family for the catheterization experience as well as emergency procedures.