Iranian nurse attitudes towards the presence of family members during CPR

Abstract

Aim: The presence of family members at the time of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential in family-centered care. Since nurses have an important role in facilitating the attendance of patients' family members in this regard, the present study was conducted to examine nurse attitudes towards the family's presence during CPR. Methods: This study was conducted across three teaching hospitals in Kerman province located in South East of Iran. Using convenience sampling, all registered nurses were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected between January and March 2014 using the attitude questionnaire on family presence during resuscitation. Results: Of 303 nurses, 92.5% were women. The mean attitude score of nurses was 50.99 ±7.12. The main perceived barriers to family presence during resuscitation by Iranian nurses were increased stress and anxiety among CPR team members, traumatic experience for the family members, difficulty around stopping CPR in futile situations owing to family requests, and family impressions about the fear of litigation related to resuscitation. Conclusion: This study revealed that nurses may have not positive attitudes towards family presence during CPR. It is necessary to improve these attitudes via educational programmes.