Surgical Nurses' Perceptions and Self-confidence Levels Regarding Family Involvement in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation...

This study aimed to determine the perceptions of surgical nurses regarding family presence during resuscitation and their confidence levels and the factors affecting them.

The study used a cross-sectional research method.

The study was conducted with 145 nurses working in surgical units of a university hospital in southern Turkey between June and December 2021. The Sociodemographic Characteristics Form and the Family Presence During Resuscitation Perception Form were used to obtain demographic data and the scores on the Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale and the Family Presence Self-Confidence Scale of participants. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report this study.

The mean Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale and Family Presence Self-Confidence Scale scores of nurses were 2.89 ± 0.895 and 2.31 ± 0.68, respectively. The analyses revealed that the mean scores of both were moderate. No significant differences were observed between the nurses' demographic characteristics and both scale scores. When asked, "What is your opinion on family presence during resuscitation?" most nurses indicated that it could interfere with team communication, increase the risk of aggression, elevate stress levels, and result in unnecessary procedures. When asked, "Has any family member ever requested to be in the room during resuscitation?" more than half of the nurses responded negatively.

This study found that the nurses perceived family presence during resuscitation practices as more risky and less beneficial. Similarly, the low Family Presence Self-Confidence Scale scores suggested a lack of confidence in these practices. Hence, in-service training programs incorporating various educational technologies to improve nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding family presence during resuscitation practices should be implemented.