Family presence during resuscitation

The concept of allowing families in during invasive procedures and resuscitation is rapidly growing and receiving more attention and acceptance. Health care organizations that have been traditionally bound by the practice of family exclusion are now being challenged by the increasing volume of research and public attention surrounding the family presence movement. In an ironic turn of practice, the health care arena that long ago permitted fathers and family members to be present at the beginning of life, is now beginning to recognize the value of family presence at the end of it. Allowing family members to be present validates the unique personhood of the patient while recognizing his integral position within a larger family unit. The documented benefits have exceeded the perceived risks for families permitted to be present during resuscitation. Families as well as patients view family presence during resuscitation as a right. In addition, health care providers who initially had resisted permitting families in during resuscitation are now conceding to families this opportunity and, not surprisingly, an opportunity that they would choose for themselves. The family presence program will continue to evolve as new research is conducted and variables are examined to assess their impact on patients, families and health care providers. With increased knowledge and awareness of the benefits and limitations of family presence, the practice of allowing families in to comfort and support loved ones at the end of life can only enhance and strengthen the hallowed bond between patients and health care providers.