When a patient arrests, families are often sent out of the room. Increasingly, guidelines say they should be offered the chance to stay. Many nurses and other staff are still uncomfortable with it.
The question: Should family members be allowed to be present during resuscitation?
The case for
- Families who were present often report less anxiety and more acceptance of the outcome.
- Seeing that everything was done can help grief.
- Patients may want their loved ones near them.
- Major resuscitation guidelines support offering family presence.
The case against
- Staff may feel watched or distracted.
- Families may find it traumatic, especially during invasive procedures.
- There may not be enough staff to support the family.
- There could be interference or complaints.
What the evidence says
A randomised trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2013 found that relatives offered the chance to watch CPR had fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress and anxiety afterwards, with no effect on the resuscitation itself.
European, US and UK resuscitation guidelines now support offering relatives the choice, with a dedicated staff member to support them.
The bottom line
The evidence favours offering families the choice, with support. The key is a named staff member with them, so the team can focus on the patient.
Related: Advanced life support for nurses
Where do you stand? Tell us in the comments. We read every one, and the best answers may feature in a follow-up article.
Sources: Jabre et al., New England Journal of Medicine (2013); European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021, ethics section.
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