The Relationship Between Paediatric Nurses' Perceptions of Family Presence During Resuscitation and Their...

Family Presence During Resuscitation (FPDR) is a key component of family-centred care in paediatric settings, supported by international guidelines. However, limited evidence exists regarding how nurses' perceptions of FPDR relate to self-confidence during paediatric resuscitation.

This study investigated the relationship between FPDR perceptions and self-confidence levels among paediatric nurses in critical care units.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between April 10 and June 20, 2025, with nurses working in paediatric critical care units of a tertiary city hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face survey administration using a Personal Information Form and the Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale, and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression.

A total of 194 eligible nurses were approached, of whom 138 completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 71.1%. The majority of nurses opposed FPDR, citing concerns related to team communication, increased stress, interruption of medical interventions and risk of violence. Mean total self-confidence and risk perception scores were 47.24 ± 18.06 and 32.75 ± 10.37, respectively. Age, professional experience and certificate status did not significantly predict risk perception or self-confidence. Postgraduate education significantly increased risk perception, while working in paediatric haematology units significantly decreased self-confidence levels. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between risk perception and self-confidence (r_s = 0.25, 95% CI [0.09, 0.40], p = 0.013).

The findings indicate that paediatric nurses' perceptions of family presence during resuscitation are influenced more by clinical and organisational context than by individual experience or certification. These results highlight the need for clear institutional policies and structured paediatric-specific training to support the safe implementation of family-centred resuscitation practices.

The findings may inform the development of context-sensitive institutional policies and structured educational programs to support safer implementation of family-centred resuscitation practices.