688 Pediatric Team: Families Becoming Integral Members!

Abstract

Studies have found that family presence at the bedside of critically ill and injured patients during invasive procedures and resuscitation can positively affect patient outcomes and satisfaction Despite this evidence, many critical care units do not permit family presence at these crucial times and limit visitation throughout the patient's ICU stay. Purpose: To equip the participant with tools to integrate families as requisite members of the healthcare team in both adult and pediatric transplant patients in the critical care units. Strategies to achieve this goal include case studies and scenario exploration with small group audience participation Key components of this session include the concepts of family-centered care and how to create and utilize evidence-based family presence policies The pros and cons of creating and supporting family presence from a nursing perspective will be explored. Finally, small groups will examine scripted resuscitation/invasive procedure scenarios from the perspective of the nurse, the healthcare team, the family, and the patient The groups will explore their feelings and insights gained through the exercise, and will share the findings with the entire group The target audience is the acute and critical care nurse that desires to be a catalyst for the integration of family-centered care and desires to include families as integral members of the team No prerequisite knowledge is necessary. Outcomes for the participant include an enhanced understanding of family-centered care, including the unique perspectives of others attending the session Participants will leave the session with diverse strategies to take back to their workplace.